A study at Ludhiana-based Punjab Agricultural University to track the impact of Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) on farmers’ incomes and employment in Punjab during 2019-20 showed that income increases after farmers joined FPOs Occurred and the effect was greater. Between small, marginal and semi-medium farmers.
The study titled “Economic Impact of Economic Production Organizations on Punjab Farmer” states that overall, while there has been a slight increase in permanent labor employment, farmers’ income has increased by 15.71%, which in the pattern of cropping There is change and proper use of agriculture. Inputs
The FPO consists of member farmers and is run by them with the support of organizations / agencies. In Punjab, there are 67 FPOs.
“Multiple linear regression analysis shows that farm size, family size and FPO membership significantly affected farmers’ income levels. These FPO members are improving the income level of the farmers.
Changes in the net annual income of FPO members before and after joining the FPO were analyzed. The overall increase in income of a sample of 100 FPO members was 15.71%, mainly due to changes in crop patterns and awareness of agricultural inputs such as seeds, fertilizers, pesticides, insecticides, pests and pest attacks, timely use by farmers. was. Inputs and subsidized agricultural implements, ”said Ms. Rani.
“before this [joining] FPOs, farmers used excessive fertilizers. But due to monthly meetings and awareness created by FPOs, the input cost of the farm was reduced, which increased the income of farmers. The analysis found that the largest increase was seen in the case of marginal farmers as they began to practice activities associated with farming.
In Punjab, out of a total of 10.53 lakh land holdings, about 34% are owned by small and marginal farmers. Production and marketing are facing many problems, especially among general and small farmers.
Ms. Rani also pointed out that many FPOs in Punjab are non-functional or are operating inefficiently.
“Many FPOs lack storage facilities. There is an urgent need to provide them financial and technical support to set up modern storage facilities. A large number of FPOs complained of ineffective utilization of funds and lack of credit facilities to the members. In addition, many FPOs are facing non-linkage problems with national and international markets, ”she said.
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