Making Farmer Producer Organizations Achieve Viability

Commendations

“Despite the game-changing potential FPOs have in improving the lot of small farmers, a majority of them are struggling even to stay afloat. Unlike most publications that only lament about this state of affairs, this book actually diagnoses the reasons for such a situation by systematically identifying the unique challenges FPOs face. And then goes further to prescribe a solution in a seven-level viability framework for calibrated action by the Promoters of FPOs. Both the writing style and examples are kept simple, making it easy for the practitioners at all levels to absorb the ideas and implement them.”
S. Sivakumar (Group Head, Agri & IT Businesses, ITC Limited)

“This book is well timed and very relevant to anyone interested in rural India. With the pandemic, the strategic importance of Agriculture and Food Supply Chain and role of Farmer Producer Organizations (FPO) is more central than ever. The political economy of food consumption requires supply of new institutions to unshackle the low equilibrium trap of farm economy. We at NAFPO are building a complementary FPO ecosystem to address comprehensively the challenges of FPO community, with NAFPO, authors have been generous in offering a comprehensive programme for promoters and management of FPOs. We intend to use this book, full of insights and practical to-dos in making of viable FPOs, extensively in our engagement with promoting institutions, policy makers.”
Anish Kumar (Trustee, NAFPO)

“Drawn mainly from the principles of cooperation and experiences of Indian cooperatives this book fills the gap of conceptual clarity that the FPO initiative was looking for so badly. Building any community owned enterprise is a challenge irrespective of its legal format, i.e., cooperative or producer company. At the end of the day it is an enterprise with too many stakeholders with diverse interests, socio-political baggages and also members with no interest at all. Inherited with such complex dynamics, the life of an FPO frontline worker swings like pendulum between excitement and joy to frustration and depression. I think this book will help them balance their life.”
Ashis Mondal (Director, Action for Social Advancement)