Assessment of the Group Efficiency of the Farmers Producer Organization in the Old Alluvial Zone of Eastern India

Abstract

A Farmer Producer Organization (FPO) is a collective of farmers who join together to form an organization to improve their agricultural production and marketing efforts. This study investigates the group efficiency of Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) in the Malda District of West Bengal, focusing on factors influencing their performance and collaboration networks. The study was conducted from 2020 to 2022 in the old alluvial zone, the study used a combination of simple and purposive sampling methods to gather data from 90 respondents across 9 villages. Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics, correlation, regression, and advanced tests like ANOVA and Kruskal-Wallis, supported by factor analysis to identify efficiency drivers. Results highlight critical factors such as women’s participation, respect for opinions, and access to up-to-date information as pivotal for FPO effectiveness. Network analysis reveals stronger institutional collaborations in Group A compared to Groups B and C, underscoring their impact on group efficiency. Findings emphasize the importance of inclusive decision-making processes and supportive external networks for enhancing FPO performance in rural contexts.