Constraints Perceived by the Members and Non-members towards Functioning of FPO-AKPCL in Kannauj District of Uttar Pradesh

• Published in: Economic affairs (Calcutta) 2021-06, Vol.66 (2), p.335-341
• Main Author: Verma, Ashwani Kumar
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Agriculture; Competition; Cooperation; Farmers; Marketing; Skills
• ISSN: 0424-2513; 0976-4666
• DOI: 10.46852/0424-2513.2.2021.20

Collectivization of primary producers, minimal and marginal into farmer’s producer organizations has emerged as one of the most successful ways to tackle the many challenges of agriculture. Most importantly, FPO improved the access of farmers towards investments, technology and inputs, and markets. This study was conducted in the Kannauj district of Uttar Pradesh. Total seven FPOs were functioning in Kannauj district. Out of seven, one FPO, namely Ausher Kissan Producer Company Limited (AKPCL) was selected purposively because of its functional superiority over others. Data were collected by using a well-structured interview schedule. A total of 20 members and 40 non-member farmers were randomly sampled in the functional area of FPO-AKPCL to delineate the constraints faced by them. The results revealed that inadequate storage facilities, shortage of transportation facilities, lack of grading and packaging skills, revelry among members to achieve key positions in the organization, and challenging each other for key positions in the group were the significant constraints faced by the member farmers. Lack of well-developed storage facilities, lack of well-developed processing facilities, lack of awareness about grading and packaging, high cost of labor, and price fluctuation every year were the major constraints faced by the member as well as non-member farmers of FPO. It can be concluded that by removing above hurdles’, many help enable farmers’ access to the markets through FPOs, both as buyers and sellers, thereby improving farmers’ income.