How FPOs can help small and marginal farmers (Indian Express)

Indian Express published an article stating that small farmers face several challenges in getting access to inputs and marketing facilities. A number of innovative institutional models are emerging and there are many opportunities for small and marginal farmers in India.  Senior research fellow Devesh Roy and his IFPRI co-authors have undertaken a comparative study of FPOs (farmer producer organizations) in Maharashtra and Bihar (Are farmer producer organizations a boon to farmers? The evidence from Bihar, India). In Maharashtra, some of the FPOs have organically evolved (OFPOs) when farmers have taken the lead to adopt market-oriented practices, develop cost-effective solutions in production and marketing.  The FPOs have to be encouraged by policymakers and other stakeholders apart from scaling up throughout the country to benefit particularly the smallholders.