Constraints in functioning of tribal FIGs and suggestions offered for effective functioning of tribal FIGs

Abstract

Small and marginal tribal farmers situation is worse because of poor marketing system and lack of quality input and technical services. This worse situation can be empowered through group approaches like Farmer Producer Organization (FPO), Farmers Interest Group (FIG) and Self Help Group (SHG). Farmers Interest Group (FIG) is a self managed, independent group of farmers with a shared goal and interest. FIG is usually formed by 15 – 20 members. When the farmers are facilitated to organize groups, trained and guided properly, they can attain tremendous development goal which would eventually make the group self- reliant and self sufficient. The present study attempts to study the constraints in functioning of tribal FIGs and elucidate suggestions for effective functioning of tribal FIGs. The findings revealed that major constraints faced by the respondents were dominance of one or few individuals (85.00%), lack of skills to resolve conflict (78.00%), limited financial resources (76.00%) and lack of involvement in group activities (73.00%). Majority of the members of tribal FIGs suggested that financial resource should be given by the government or other funding agencies (76.00%), all the members should be involved in group activities (73.00%) and training should be given to all the members of FIGs (70.00%).