Abstract

This study assessed the socio-economic and institutional impact of the Marudhara Guar Agro Producer Company (MGAPC), a Farmer Producer Organisation (FPO) based in Bikaner, Rajasthan. Using a mixed-methods approach and a Difference-in-Differences (DID) framework on a sample of 210 farmers (105 each of members and non-members), the study found that FPO membership led to an average increase of ?20888 in annual agricultural income, 29 additional employment days, and ?13,093 higher annual savings. Social indicators, including education (DID = 0.746), nutrition (0.7833), housing (0.2767), health (0.7833), and empowerment (0.306), also showed significant improvements. Garrett Ranking identified timely input supply, effective leadership, market access, and participatory governance as key drivers of sustainability. The findings affirmed the potential of FPOs to address rural poverty, enhance resilience, and support inclusive growth. The policy support should prioritize capacity-building, financial transparency, and equitable participation. The study offers a replicable model for strengthening grassroots institutions and scaling farmer-led development strategies across India.

Keywords: Difference in difference, farmer producer organization, Garrett Ranking Method, impact.
JEL Codes: Q10, Q13, Q18.

Description

Indian Journal of Economics and Development
Volume 21 No. 2, June 2025, 000-000

https://doi.org/10.35716/IJED-25059

Impact Factor: 0.3 (Web of Science)
NAAS Score: 6.30 (2025)
Indexed in Scopus (SJR = 0.13)
Resurchify Impact Score: 0.23
UGC Approved (UGC Care List Group II)
Index Copernicus (ICV 2023: 105.09)