Comprehensive Analysis of the Livelihood Index among Millet Farmers Associated with Farmers Producer Organizations (FPOs) in Madurai District of Tamil Nadu

Abstract

This study conducted in 2022 across the Sedapatti, Thirumangalam, and Usilampatti Blocks of Madurai District in Tamil Nadu, aimed to explore the Livelihood Index among Millet Farmers associated with Farmers Producer Organizations (FPOs). Employing a sample size of 120 respondents through a proportionate random selection procedure, data collection was facilitated via structured personal interviews. The study unveiled that a majority of respondents (68.33%) exhibited a medium level of livelihood, characterized by access to all five capitals - Natural Capital, Physical Capital, Human Capital, Social Capital, and Financial Capital. Moreover, 19.16% reported a high level of livelihood, while 12.05% experienced a low level, This distribution underscores the varying degrees of resource accessibility among the surveyed individuals, shedding light on the diversity of livelihood conditions within the studied population. The study's findings emphasize that the elevated livelihoods of millet farmers and members of Farmers Producer Organizations (FPOs) are strongly linked to their access to natural capital resources. It becomes evident that there is a notable requirement for improvement, particularly concerning financial capital, followed by social capital and human capital. The enhancement of these aspects holds the potential to empower respondents to efficiently harness the available capitals, thus fostering sustainable livelihoods. This suggests that strategic efforts towards bolstering financial resources, social networks, and individual capabilities are key to optimizing livelihood outcomes in the context of millet farming and FPO engagement.