Backward and Forward Linkages Developed by Farmer Producer Organisations in Western Maharashtra

In the present study, an attempt was made to find out the forward and backward linkages developed by farmer organizations especially for vegetable production and marketing. Based on maximum number of farmer produce organizations (FPOs), Pune district from western Maharashtra was purposively selected. Three tahsils viz., Khed, Junner and Purander and total eleven FPOs engaged in production and marketing of vegetables were selected. From selected FPOs, ten per cent respondents were randomly selected, constituting a total sample size of 200 respondents and asked to indicate their response regarding source of assistance/guidance for getting finance, procuring inputs, seed production, post-harvest, value addition etc. These functional relationships with other stakeholders were considered as linkage under the study. The responses were recorded using frequency and percentage. The results of study revealed that member farmers had developed backward linkages with SAU and KVKs scientists for technical guidance, and with cooperatives for getting loans. FPO members had developed forward linkages with marketing board for marketing, whereas, linkages with private sector were developed for storage, processing and value addition. The findings revealed that small and marginal farmers can have strong forward and backward linkages with both private and public sectors that can lead to their overall economic development.