Journal of Community Mobilization and Sustainable Development

Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) are recognized as pivotal institutional mechanisms for stimulating agricultural development in developing countries, particularly among the smallholder farmers. The viability and prosperity of FPOs are significantly influenced by various psychological factors, including farmers’ attitudes being member of FPOs, their information-seeking behaviour, and their level of progressiveness, which collectively play a pivotal role in determining the sustainability and success of FPOs. Present study was carried out in eight randomly selected FPOs, categorized based on their functioning stages, viz., duration of <1-3 years, >3-6 years, >6 years, and non-functional FPOs. A sample of 320 farmer members, with 40 from each FPO was surveyed. It is revealed that farmers in well-established FPOs, functioning for more than 6 years, exhibited higher levels of progressiveness towards FPOs and hold a more favourable attitude towards their contributions to agricultural development. Furthermore, these farmers demonstrated a greater interest in obtaining prompt and accurate information on farming-related matters. In contrast, farmers in FPOs of lesser duration and non-functional FPOs displayed lower levels of progressiveness and were less inclined to actively seek information through FPO communication networks. The results emphasize the importance of nurturing and establishing FPOs to ensure that farmers have access to the vital information needed for informed decision-making. Policymakers, authorities, and FPO management can leverage these insights to design targeted interventions and supportive frameworks that promote a culture of progressiveness and active participation within FPOs, ultimately reinforcing their role in agricultural development.