Krishnagiri: After the Union Government announced last February that 10,000 farmer-producing organizations (FPO) will be formed throughout the country in the next five years, the Tamil Nadu government has given collective farmers encouragement in a separate budget on Saturday with a plan to set 1,100 new FPOs on States.
While welcoming the decision, executives from several FPOs in the country shed light at a lack of awareness among people about the work of the FPO.
They claim that this inhibits the growth of the organization in their early stages.
S Prabhu, CEO of Mannargudi Rajagopalswami Ulavar Urathi Niruvanam in the District of Thiruvarur said that the expectations of the wrong members direct them to lose interest after some time.
“Some farmers expect too much from the FPO and lose great benefits such as removing intermediaries, the addition of values, and collective bargaining power,” he explained.
Prabhu, who also manages another FPO, said, “Making farmers aware of the benefits of the FPO at the initial stage will help producer companies become successful in the long run.” P Precilla, former CEO of Rajakkamangalam Blok Coconut Product Company Limited in Kentarsumari District said that lack of interest among FPO members would prevent growth.
“This also postponed decision making and breeding distrust between members The use of even the initial grant provided by the government to Kankumumari FPO.
He suggested a frequent meeting, exposure to successful fossisions and constant interactions can make members more active in the FPO.
“K Mahesh also faces the same problem while managing Kosasthalai Collective Farming Producer Company Limited in the District Tiruvallur.
“However, farmers became more involved when the FPO received a 60 lakh Hospital grant to establish a seed processing unit,” he said.
Prabhu said that sometimes grants were given to the same FPO.
“Some of the fission will be very overwhelmed and the FPO does not get a steam lose grant.” He then suggested providing benefits such as subsidies, technology training to an individual farmer through the FPO will make farmers interested in collective organizations.
The FPO operates for collective well-being successful, another executive said.