Women-Centric FPOS Reshape Farm Economy

Women-led Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOS) in India have gained momentum in 2025, driven by government schemes and sustainability goals. As of June 2025, 1,663 FPOs are registered with 100 per cent women members, and 949 have over 50 women members under the Central Sector Scheme for 10,000 FPOs.

- Dipti Barve

With the number of 100 per cent women shareholder FPOs, Telangana leads with 359 FPOs, followed by Andhra Pradesh at 228 in the country. Industry is expecting that by 2030 women-led and women-majority FPOS will be operating as robust, professionally managed agribusinesses, with strong governance, digital systems, diversified revenue streams, and reliable access to working capital.

A ccording to an impact study of Sambodhi, an impact measurement firm in 2024, greater independence among women in programme FPOs, with fewer needing to borrow from their households to pay FPO share capital amount (22 per cent vs. 40 per cent in the non-access programme comparison). Moreover, women-led FPOs can play a pivotal role in realising the revised target of the Lakhpati Didi scheme, which has been increased from two crore to three crore women, as announced during the interim budget for FY25. Women-led FPOs show higher cropping intensity (210 per cent vs. 149 per cent), greater crop diversity, and stronger financial participation through share capital. They benefit from Self Help Groups (SHGS) experience, prudent risk management, and spousal support in marketing.

Key policy drivers

The Central Sector Scheme for Formation and Promotion of 10,000 FPOs mandates at least onewoman directors per board and prioritises women Self Help Groups (SHGs), with over 8,780 FPOS registered by mid-2025, including incentives like equity grants up to Rs 18 lakh and credit guarantees. NABARD'S PRODUCE Fund and PODF have promoted thousands of FPOs, with 179 exclusively for women, focusing on activities like spices, millets, and beekeeping. The Lakhpati Didi initiative targets 3 crore women for Rs 1 lakh annual income, linking SHGs to FPOs for sustainable livelihoods.