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Subject: Agricultural Extension × Author: Akhil Ajith × Author: KAU × End date: 2019 × Start date: 2010 × Thesis Type: M.Sc ×
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    Farmer producer organizaions (fpos) of Idukki district: a multidimensional analysis on role, function and performance (rfp)
    (Department of Agricultural Extension, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2018) Akhil Ajith; KAU; Kishore Kumar, N
    The study entitled “Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) of Idukki district: A multidimensional analysis on role, function and performance” was conducted to understand and assess the role, function and performance of FPOs in Idukki district along with the socio- economic development of members and the various constraints related to formation, functioning and performance of FPOs. The location of study was whole of Idukki district, as the FPOs were spread throughout the district. Exhaustive selection of thirteen FPOs were made from the district and a total of 120 respondents were selected from these FPOs using probability proportion to size sampling Data collection was done using a structured interview schedule, prepared with necessary variables for the study. Obtained data was subjected to analysis using statistical tools such as, arithmetic mean, standard deviation, frequency, percentage, correlation analysis and principle component analysis. The study had two dependent variables, namely Group dynamics and Performance of FPO. The variable group dynamics had four component variables and it was used to develop a group dynamics index, on the basis of which the FPOs were ranked. In terms of Group dynamics Thodupuzha Farmers Agro PC (84.02%) ranked higher. Using principle component analysis it was found out that, of the four components, Group Cohesiveness contributed more to Group Dynamics. Performance of FPO had three components and it was also converted into index by taking the average of sum of indices of the individual components. In terms of Performance of FPO also Thodupuzha Farmers Agro PC(77.94%) ranked higher compared to other FPOs. Effect of group dynamics on performance was found out using correlational analysis and both variables were positively correlated. Majority (50.83%) of the respondents belonged to age category of more than 55 years (58.5%). More than half (55%) of the respondents had education up to high school level and majority of the respondents (78.33%) had farming as their sole profession. Most of the respondents (39.16%) had their annual income in the range of 0.6-2 lakhs. In case of social participation (85.33%) of the respondents were members and (57.5%) of the respondents had occasional participation. In terms of market orientation 80% of the respondents belonged to medium category. Extension agency contact for major share of the respondents (44.16%) was low but 54.16% of them had high extension participation. Among the five roles, role number one „Facilitate development of member farmers‟ was identified as the most important role. In terms of economic efficiency Green Vivo Agro PC was ranked as the most efficient. Medium socio- economic development was showcased for most of the respondents. These FPOs were supported by NABARD, Govt of Kerala, Supplyco etc in marketing, finance and functioning. Constraints faced by members and FPOs were found out by discussing with respondents. Major constraints faced by FPOs include competition from retailers and existing brands, difficulty in marketing products, lack of professional management, lack of adequate funds during incubation period, inadequate support from State, stringent export norms etc. Constraints faced by the members included lack of minimum support price for commodities, lack of storage facilities for their produces, unavailability of services in time, lack of proper extension services and political discrimination. Appointing professionally qualified personals as CEOs of these organizations, establishing dedicated market led extension services, assured market linkages through Govt system, Govt t based quality assurance and testing centers, providing interest free loans through government mechanisms during incubation period and assured minimum support price for commodities are some of the strategies and suggestions for improving the functioning of these FPOs As a result of the study it was found out that Group dynamics had a positive effect on Performance of FPO. Most of the respondents were found to be in medium level with respect to all components of independent variables except for extension contact. FPOs have a positive impact on socio-economic development of members. Members could identify increase in social participation and interaction after being part of the FPO. Lot numbers of constraints are faced by FPOs of Idukki district and better policy making is necessary for providing better support for these FPOs. As an institutional model FPOs can be successful if provided with better management and target orientation.