Boosting Cooperative Success: Evaluating the Performance of Farmer Producer Organizations in Tiruvallur District, Tamil Nadu, India
C. Sinega
Department of Agricultural Extension and Rural Sociology, Tamil Nadu Agriculture University, Coimbatore, India.
R. Agila
ICAR-Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Tirur, India.
M.Nirmala Devi
Department of Agricultural Extension and Rural Sociology, Tamil Nadu Agriculture University, Coimbatore, India.
S. Kanaka *
Rice Research Station, Tirur, India.
R.Gangai Selvi
Department of Physical Science and Information Technology, Tamil Nadu Agriculture University, Coimbatore, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Aim: This study examines the performance of Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) in Tiruvallur district, Tamil Nadu, with a focus on identifying the key factors influencing their effectiveness.
Methodology: Using an ex post facto research design in 2024, four FPOs operational for over three years were purposively selected, and a sample size of 120 members was chosen through simple random sampling. Data collection involved a comprehensive interview schedule assessing 14 personal, psychological, and socio-economic variables. Correlation and regression analyses were conducted using SPSS software.
Results: In the study examining the performance of FPOs in Tiruvallur district, Tamil Nadu, 14 personal, psychological, and socio-economic variables were analyzed for their influence on FPO performance. Eight variables showed a significant positive correlation with FPO performance such as education, farming experience, annual income, innovativeness, information source utilization, group cohesiveness, decision-making behavior, and attitude towards FPOs having the highest correlation. Conversely, two variables exhibited a negative correlation, with occupation showing a significant negative correlated. Four variables showed a positively correlated but not significant such as age, economic motivation, social participation and capacity building services, while farm size was also negatively correlated but not significantly. The model's R² value was 61.9%, indicating that these 14 variables collectively explain a substantial portion of the variation in FPO performance. This highlights the critical role of fostering positive attitudes, effective decision-making and other positively correlated factors to enhance FPOs performance.
Conclusion: The study underscores the importance of fostering positive attitudes and effective decision-making within FPOs to enhance their performance. These findings highlight the need for targeted interventions to improve these aspects within FPOs to ensure their success and sustainability.
Keywords: Farmer producer organization, performance of FPO, socio economic characteristics, members and relationship