Need for More Farmer Producer Companies

A Farmer Producer Company (FPC) can be formed by any 10 or more primary producers or by two or more producer institutions, or by a contribution of both. An FPC is a hybrid between cooperative societies and private limited companies.

The Farmer Producer Companies, registered under the Indian Companies Act, 2013, have democratic governance, each producer or member has equal voting rights irrespective of the number of shares held.

There are several reasons why more Farmer Producer Companies (FPCs) are needed in India:

1. Increase in farmer income: FPCs provide farmers with collective bargaining power to negotiate better prices for their products, by reducing intermediaries and creating direct linkages to consumers and businesses. This can lead to increased income for farmers.
2. Improved access to markets: FPCs can help to connect farmers to new markets and customers, which can lead to increased income and better market opportunities.
3. Better access to inputs and services: FPCs can provide their members with access to inputs such as seeds, fertilizers, and pesticides at reduced prices, as well as provide training and capacity-building services.
4. Better risk management: By pooling resources and risks, FPCs can help farmers to better manage the inherent uncertainties of agriculture, by sharing the risks of crop failure, pests and diseases, and price fluctuations.
5. Better pricing: FPCs can directly sell to the consumers, which helps to fetch the best prices to farmers, as well as reducing the dependency on intermediaries.
6. Improved quality: FPCs can invest in modern equipment, technology, and training to improve the quality of their products, which can lead to better prices and improved market opportunities.
7. Sustainability: FPCs can promote sustainable farming practices and reduce environmental damage