Association of farmers producer organization (FPO) farmers’ progressiveness with socio-economic characters: A case study of sub Himalayan region

The farmer’s progressiveness in collectives is the only way to depict innovativeness and acumen to use the innovations. In the developing countries, this is an integral concern of entrepreneurship. This study aimed to investigate the association between the progressiveness of Farmers Producer Organizations (FPO) and their socio-economic characteristics. FPOs are organizations set up for the collective benefit of farmers, especially small and marginal farmers. The study was conducted in ten randomly selected FPOs from Cooch Behar district, West Bengal. The sample consisted of 200 respondents of FPO farmers selected randomly within the FPO areas. The data were collected through a structured interview using the personal interview method, and correlation and multiple regression analysis was used. The study found that the education level of FPO farmers was positively and significantly associated with their progressiveness, whereas farm size was negatively and significantly associated with progressiveness. Furthermore, age and education were positively and significantly associated with progressiveness, while farm size was negatively and significantly associated with progressiveness in the presence of additional predictor factors. These findings suggest that age, education level, and farm size are critical factors to consider when characterizing the membership and progressiveness of FPO farmers. Thus, interventions and policies aimed at enhancing the progressiveness of FPOs should focus on addressing these socio-economic factors to achieve sustainable growth and development of FPOs.