Farming Futures: Reimagining Producer Collectives In India
The Genesis
Glimpses of The Process
Recent government policies have positioned Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) as an important pillar for doubling farm incomes. These New Generation Cooperatives of the twenty-first century are seen as models of the future of farming as an enterprise. Building on the earlier spread of FPOs the Government of India seeks to promote 10,000 more FPOs in the next few years. FPOs that were but a speck in the collective enterprise landscape few years back are ubiquitous with several stakeholders – governmental, para statals, private sector, civil society organisations, farmer groups, incubators - all involved in the promotion of FPOs.
Building on its knowledge leadership on understanding producer collectives over the years, IRMA seeks to expand its insights on dairy cooperatives to these new generation collective enterprises. IRMA’s work on FPOs have broadly been on research studies producing knowledge for action, nurturing farmer institutions and in co-creating knowledge on FPOs. As part of the Dr Verghese Kurien Centenary celebrations (23rd - 26th November, 2021) IRMA aims to have a seminar around a new book on contemporary challenges of producer companies.
Upcoming Event
National Workshop on
"Farming Futures: Growth and Management Challenges of FPOs in India"
25th November 2021
At the seminar, the cases would be discussed, and it is expected that the volume could be used in management courses as well as by development finance institutions like NABARD and in capacity building by many Cluster-Based Business Organisations (CBBOs) and implementing agencies.
Stakeholders in the FPO ecosystem would be invited to share their insights. The deliberations of the seminar would be documented to present policymakers with actionable insights to strengthen farmer collectives.
About the Book
Tentatively titled, 'Farming Futures: Reimagining Producer Collectives in India', the proposed book delves into unique issues and opportunities emerging from a study of nearly 17 FPOs across India. These organisations, while not representative of the complex economic and social landscape that FPOs operate in, provide a rich starting point to pose pointed questions, and deliberate over characteristics of an enabling ecosystem for such organisations. The book has been written through close collaboration between academics and development practitioners, thus lending a grounded perspective to the management challenges existing in the area.
Location of the FPOs
The Process
The process of bringing together academics and practitioners began in late 2020, and subsequently led to choosing specific FPOs, and conducting field visits. Peer feedback and workshops have been a core component of writing the cases, and the process will culminate in the form of a book. Field reflections of most cases have been captured in the form of blogs for ease of reading.