Success stories and challenges of horticulture-based farmer producer organisations (FPOS) in Telangana state

Abstract

Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) have emerged as key institutional mechanisms to empower smallholder farmers in India. In Telangana state, FPOs dealing with horticultural crops have gained momentum, especially in output marketing of fruits and vegetables. The present study was undertaken to document the success stories and identify the problems faced by horticulture-based FPOs in Telangana. A multistage purposive sampling technique was used to select 14 FPOs, categorized into good performing and non-performing groups based on turnover. Success stories were collected from well-functioning FPOs, while challenges were identified using the Garrett ranking technique. The findings revealed that factors such as leadership quality, timely access to inputs, effective post-harvest management, branding, and market linkages contributed significantly to FPO success. Major constraints included insufficient working capital, poor infrastructure, inadequate government support, and lack of awareness among members. The study suggests strengthening financial support, capacity building, and policy-level interventions to enhance the functioning of horticultural FPOs in the region.