Strategies for Strengthening Farmer Producer Organizations in India Based on the One District One Product scheme

Farmer producer organizations (FPOs) have been pivotal in empowering Indian agriculture in recent years. The Government of India has taken several steps to help in the growth of FPOs. For example, it has initiated the ‘One District One Product’ (ODOP) scheme. In each district of the states, major commodities are identified which can be promoted through FPOs. The present study focuses on the experiences in Bihar, where abundant production of cash crops like makhana (about 85% of the world’s production) has been achieved by the farmers (about 50,000 t of makhana). Despite the huge demand, makhana has been lagging in exports due to a lack of quality produce, skill, mechanization in harvesting and processing, and a near absence of value addition. In this context, integration of the ODOP scheme with FPOs can be a potential option to combat production constraints, facilitate marketing and export of the produce. This study proposes a strategy using a conceptual model, viz. technology–infrastructure–policy–export orientation (TIPE) model, that specifies the steps to be undertaken for better promotion of products through FPOs. A congenial ecosystem is necessary for the growth of producer organizations to provide a comprehensive solution with required policy backup and triggering factors that can contribute to the sustainable development of FPOs.