Farmer Producer Organizations through Farmers' Eyes: An Attitudinal Analysis

Abstract

This study, conducted from 2022 to 2024 in Kushi Nagar and Deoria districts of Uttar Pradesh, aimed to assess the attitude of farmers towards Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs). A total of 300 FPO members were selected from four community development blocks in these districts using stratified random sampling. The findings indicate a generally positive attitude towards FPOs, with significant percentages of respondents acknowledging the role of FPOs in motivating small and marginal farmers, improving coordination with the Agricultural Department, and facilitating easier access to agricultural inputs. However, concerns were raised regarding the equitable treatment of members, timeliness of scientific information, transparency in financial transactions, and the inclusiveness of decision-making processes within FPOs. The study also revealed that 19.33 per cent of respondents exhibited a high level of positive attitude, while 56.00 per cent displayed a medium level, and 19.33 per cent showed a low level of attitude towards FPOs. Correlation analysis revealed that factors such as age, risk orientation, extension contact, and family size had a positive influence on the attitude towards FPOs, while education, income, and marital status exhibited a negative correlation. These findings highlight the potential of FPOs in empowering small and marginal farmers, while also emphasizing the need for improvements in transparency, government support, and inclusive decision-making to enhance the effectiveness of FPOs.