FARMER PRODUCER ORGANIZATIONS IN INDIA: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW AND BIBLIOMETRIC ANALYSIS OF CONSTRAINTS, SOCIAL LINKAGES, AND SUSTAINABILITY

Abstract

A Farmer producer organization is a significant institutional tool for improving smallholder livelihoods and advancing sustainable agriculture. Research focusing on the limitations, social connections and sustainability aspects influencing FPO performance is still dispersed, despite their quick growth and robust regulatory support. To address these gaps these study employs a systematic literature review and bibliometric analysis to investigate research trends, key constraints, social linkages and sustainability surrounding FPOs. After applying predetermined inclusion and exclusion criteria, systematic searching of the Scopus database was carried in accordance with PRISMA guidelines, producing 72 peer- reviewed publications published between 2015 and 2025. Biblioshiny and VOS viewer were used for bibliometric analysis to evaluate thematic progression, country-wise research influence, collaboration networks and publishing patterns. The results showed that the research production increased significantly after 2020, with smallholder livelihoods, collective action and sustainability emerging as key research challenges. The main barriers to FPO performance were found to be financial, market, technical, management and institutional limitations. Strong institutional support and social ties were also found to greatly improve long-term sustainability, resource mobilization and market access. In order to ensure sustainable development of FPOs the study emphasizes the need for increased market and institutional networks, better managerial capabilities and stronger institutional support.