Socio-Economic Profile of Farmer Producer Organization Members in North Karnataka: An Empirical Study

Abstract

The study titled Socio-economic Profile of Farmer Producer Organization Members in North Karnataka: An Empirical Study was conducted to analyze the personal, socio-economic, and communication characteristics of Farmer Producer Organization (FPO) members in Vijayapura and Bagalkote districts of Karnataka. An ex-post-facto research design was adopted, and data were collected from 120 randomly selected respondents across four FPOs using a simple random sampling technique. Standardized procedures and modified scales were employed to measure variables such as entrepreneurial behavior, benefits derived, education, landholding, annual income, extension contact, extension participation, mass media exposure, scientific orientation, and social participation. The findings revealed that 41.67 per cent of respondents were in the middle-age group (38–48 years), and 44.17 per cent had completed high school, while 30 per cent were graduates or above, indicating a relatively well-educated farming community. A majority (74.17 per cent) were medium landholders (10.01–25 acres), and 56.67 per cent practiced agriculture integrated with animal husbandry, showing the importance of mixed farming systems. Regarding income, 67.50 per cent belonged to the medium-income category, whereas only 13.33 per cent had high incomes. However, 38.33 per cent of respondents showed low scientific orientation, and 39.17 per cent reported low extension contact, indicating gaps in adopting modern practices and accessing institutional support. A comparative analysis revealed that Bagalkote farmers performed better in education, landholding, income, extension contact, and participation, while no significant differences were observed in age, occupation, scientific orientation, and mass media exposure. The study concludes that strengthening extension services, ICT-based platforms, and entrepreneurial training can enhance FPO members’ capabilities, fostering innovation, income diversification, and sustainable livelihoods.