Where We Stand: a Case Study of Small Farmers’ Participation in a Farmer Producer Company (Fpc) in Telangana, India
India: Sustainable Development and Social Change
Abstract
The rise of agribusiness has impacted the agricultural sector worldwide. Specifically in India, many small farmers have been negatively affected by the rise of agribusiness, as they are competing against large farms that have access to more resources and money. In recent decades, alternative food networks (AFNs) have arisen, generally as small-scale, non-governmental programs that provide a way for small farmers to find success and receive fair compensation for their crops. This study focuses on small farmers who participate in an AFN, specifically a farmer producer company (FPC) referred to as Sahaja Aharam, based in Hyderabad within the Indian state of Telangana. Using qualitative methods of in-depth interviewing, the following questions will be examined through this study: How has involvement in the Sahaja Aharam changed the work of the farmers? What impacts has this program had on farmers’ personal and professional lives? How can FPCs successfully work to support and empower small farmers? The purpose of this study is to understand the experiences and perspectives of small farmers in Telangana, and how they have been impacted by their involvement in Sahaja Aharam.