Management status of farmer producer organizations (FPOS) in Chhattisgarh plains

Abstract

Present study aims to examine the performance of Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) in Chhattisgarh Plains. In Chhattisgarh Plain 10 FPOs were selected randomly for the present study. The study includes both the survey and case study methodologies. Multiple case studies of FPOs in each category and major district have been undertaken to understand the operation modalities and challenges in the functioning of the FPOs. In Chhattisgarh Plains 86 FPOs registered in which 37, 36, and 13 FPOs were registered under NABARD, horticulture and NGOs respectively. The major business of FPOs were production and marketing of fruits and vegetable collectively, input supply, dealership in input and bulk buying of inputs and their sales to members, milk production, mushroom and its value added products, vermi-compost and NTFPs etc. The authorized capital ranged from Rs. 2.3 lakh to 10 lakh, and mobilized share capital was Rs. 2.3 to Rs. 13.54 lakh. The annual turnover was in the range of Rs. 2 to 62 lakh and all the FPOs were ruined in profits (2016-17). The major constraint were Poor Skill of Professional of the Producer companies, lack of vision and direction from board of directors, operational problems like low equity based to low share value. They should be considered eligible for investment and working capital grants for processing and marketing infrastructure creation. The PC practicing organic farming can be designated as certifying agencies for third parties and individual growers by the union government agencies like APEDA. Cold storage facilities should be provided to each and every FPO dealing with perishable commodities.