Vol. 7, Issue 2, Part C (2025)

This study examines organic farmers’ perceptions of the Participatory Guarantee System (PGS) in Ramanathapuram District, Tamil Nadu, based on a structured survey of 120 certified organic farmers across several local PGS groups. It investigates awareness of core PGS principles—peer review, trust, transparency—perceived cost-effectiveness relative to third-party certification, and effects on social cohesion, knowledge exchange, and local market participation. Results show widespread understanding of PGS foundations; farmers recognize the benefits of community-led certification that emphasizes shared responsibility and trust. Nearly all respondents indicated reduced certification costs through peer inspection and minimal paperwork, echoing findings that PGS offers a credible yet affordable alternative to external audits. Enhanced social capital emerged as a significant benefit: strengthened peer networks, mutual learning, and a renewed sense of empowerment and collective identity were reported. Access to local markets improved modestly, with farmers leveraging the community-based label to appeal to regional consumers. However, challenges remain: consumer awareness of PGS is low, premium pricing is inconsistent, and institutional support appears limited In conclusion, PGS empowers smallholder farmers by reducing costs, fostering trust and collaboration, and enabling market access. To realize its full potential, the study recommends boosting consumer outreach, integrating PGS into public procurement schemes, enhancing policy support via NGOs and regional councils, and strengthening market linkages potentially through digital platforms. These steps could significantly scale PGS’s positive impact within Ramanathapuram and the broader Tamil Nadu organic farming landscape.