Swot and Constraint Analysis of Farmer Producer Organisations in West Bengal

The present study was carried out with an objective to analyze the functioning of Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) in the state of West Bengal. Using random sampling procedure, data were collected from 120 farmer members and 40 FPO facilitators through personal interview and focus group discussions. Major strength of FPOs were the primary producers availed the benefits of economies of scale, groups had more power to bargain with input suppliers, banks and buyers than individual farmers. Major weaknesses of FPO were reluctance of farmers to join FPO, lack of business orientation and proper business plan and low involvement of members in group activity. With respect to opportunities available, FPOs had the opportunity for linking with multiple service providers ranging from public to private companies for support and better marketing. Threats include middlemen and political intervention and high tax rate. Lack of government support and credit facility was the major constraints that the farmers perceived in the functioning the FPOs. Middlemen and political intervention and lack of working capital were the major constraints perceived by Promoting Institute members and officials of Sponsoring Agency respectively.