KERALA MARKETFED – FPO DIVISION

Farmer Producers Organizations have become essential institutions for the empowerment and advancement of farmers. Under the Central Sector Scheme ‘Formation and Promotion of 10,000 new Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs)’ of Government of India, through National Co-operative Development Corporation (NCDC), farmers—especially small and marginal farmers—are being collectivized at various levels across several states with the objective of fostering technology penetration, improving productivity, enabling improved access to inputs, and increasing farmers’ incomes thereby strengthening agriculture-based sustainable livelihoods.

The Kerala State Cooperative Marketing Federation Ltd (MARKETFED) plays a pivotal role in supporting Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) across the state.

MARKETFED’s Role in FPOs

1. Formation and Promotion of FPOs: MARKETFED has been designated as a Cluster-Based Business Organization (CBBO) by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare. Under the national scheme for the formation and promotion of 10,000 FPOs, MARKETFED is responsible for establishing and nurturing FPOs in Kerala. The primary objective is to empower farmers by reducing farming costs and ensuring better market access for their products.
2. Capacity Building and Training: MARKETFED provides training and capacity-building programs to FPO members, enhancing their skills in various aspects of farming, business management, and cooperative governance.
3. Market Linkages and Infrastructure Support: MARKETFED facilitates market linkages for FPOs, helping them access wider markets for their produce. Additionally, it supports the development of necessary infrastructure, such as collection centers and processing units, to add value to the agricultural produce.
4. Financial and Technical Assistance: Through collaborations with financial institutions and government schemes, MARKETFED assists FPOs in obtaining financial support for their operations. It also provides technical assistance to improve farming practices and productivity.

MARKETFED serves as a catalyst in the establishment, growth, and sustainability of FPOs in Kerala, thereby contributing to the overall development of the agricultural sector in the state.

The Kerala State Cooperative Marketing Federation Ltd. (MARKETFED) has been designated as a Cluster-Based Business Organization (CBBO) for the formation and promotion of 17 Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare’s “Formation and Promotion of 10,000 FPOs” scheme. Out of this 15 FPOs registered under Kerala State Co-operative Societies Act 1969.

MARKETFED is involved in the implementation of the “Scheme for the Promotion of FPOs in Kerala,” which aims to initiate new FPOs and strengthen existing ones, bringing all FPOs in the agricultural sector under a single umbrella.