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Producer Company

Explore all the details you need about Producer Company, tailored for your needs.

A Producer Company is an officially established group of farmers or agriculturists to enhance their quality of life, financial support, and income. This kind of company combines elements of both private limited companies and cooperatives. Its primary goal is to encourage cooperative businesses to form as companies and to allow current cooperatives to transition into company structures.

Producer companies aim to provide farmers with better financial support, enhance their incomes, and improve their overall quality of life through cooperative businesses.

Solocorp Verifocus Legal LLP offers expert guidance to simplify the registration process for Producer Companies. Their services ensure legal compliance under the Companies Act 2013, making the process seamless for agricultural ventures.

Producer Company - An Overview

A Producer Company, also known as a Farmer Producer Company, is an officially recognized organization composed of farmers or agriculturists. Its main objective is to improve the livelihoods of its members, enhancing their resources, incomes, and profitability.

It operates as a hybrid between private limited companies and cooperative societies, combining the benefits of both. A Producer Company is registered under the Companies Act 2013 and adheres to democratic governance principles, ensuring each member has an equal say in decision-making, regardless of the number of shares they hold.

The structure of a Producer Company fosters long-term sustainability by focusing on the welfare of its members while ensuring effective management and resource utilization.

Legal Framework for Producer Company Registration

A Producer Company is a legal entity established under the Companies Act, 1956, and it is governed by the provisions outlined in Section 465 of the Companies Act, 2013. This entity operates under the regulations specified in Part IX A of the Companies Act, 1956, with necessary modifications.

The objectives of a Producer Company incorporation must align with the activities outlined in Section 581B of the Companies Act, 1956. These regulations ensure the proper formation and governance of Producer Companies, enabling them to function effectively within the legal framework.

Companies Act, 2013

This Act governs the functioning of all types of companies in India, including Producer Companies. It defines the regulations and procedures for incorporation, governance, and operation.

Section 581B of the Companies Act, 1956

This section outlines the specific activities and objectives that must align with the formation of a Producer Company. It provides the legal framework for such companies, focusing on the welfare of the producers.

Part IX A of the Companies Act, 1956

This part of the Companies Act provides the necessary modifications and regulations for the establishment and functioning of Producer Companies, ensuring their compliance with cooperative principles while operating under corporate laws.

Objective of Producer Company

A Producer Company's primary objective is to advance its members' interests by facilitating activities related to the production, marketing, sale, and export of their primary products.

Additionally, the producer company incorporation is empowered to import goods or services essential for the welfare of its members, further supporting their economic growth and ensuring a sustainable livelihood.

Activities of Producer Company

Producer Companies are established with diverse objectives aimed at enhancing their members' welfare and economic status. They engage in various activities that support the overall growth and development of their members.

Agricultural Advancements

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Processing and Preservation

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Equipment and Consumables Supply

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Educational Initiatives

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Technical and Consultancy Services

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Energy and Resource Management

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Insurance Services

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Mutual Cooperation

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Member Welfare

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Ancillary Activities

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Financial Support

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Advantages of a Producer Company

1

Hybrid Structure

A Producer Company incorporation combines the professional management of a Private Limited Company with the mutual benefits of a Cooperative Society.

2

Ownership by Primary Producers

Ownership and membership are held exclusively by 'primary producers' or 'Producer Institutions,' ensuring that the organisation remains focused on benefiting those involved in primary production. Member equity cannot be traded, safeguarding against takeovers or exploitation.

3

Professional Framework

While adhering to the clauses of a Private Limited Company, a Producer Company operates under specific clauses outlined in the Producer Company Act (referenced from 581-A to 581-ZL), providing a professional framework tailored to the needs of primary producers.

4

Limited Liability

In a Producer Company, members' financial responsibility is capped at their share contribution. This implies that members' assets are safeguarded against the company's debts or financial setbacks, limiting their liability strictly to the amount they've invested in shares.

5

Minimal Capital Requirement

With a minimum paid-up capital of Rs. 1 Lakh and minimum authorised capital of Rs. 5 lakh, it is easier to mobilise small capital for a Producer Company.

6

Flexibility in Membership

A minimum of 10 producers is required to form a Producer Company, with no limit on the maximum number of members. This flexibility allows even small groups of 10 individuals to establish a Producer Company, promoting accessibility.

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No Government or Private Equity Stake

Producer Companies cannot have government or private equity stakes, preventing them from becoming public or deemed public limited companies. This ensures autonomy and professional functioning without external threats.

8

National Scope

Producer Companies can operate nationwide, providing flexibility to expand and conduct business freely and professionally.

Membership Structure of Producer Company

  • A producer company's membership excludes primary producers or producer organisations. Membership is attained through the purchase of shares in the company.
  • The actions of a Producer Company are solely executed through its members. Members are pivotal in establishing the company and hold the authority to initiate its dissolution.
  • Decisions within the company are made collectively through general meetings convened by the members.

Governance Structure of a Producer Company

  • A Board of Directors oversees the management of a Producer Company.
  • Members of the company elect the Board during a general meeting.
  • The Board must consist of a minimum of 5 directors.
  • Directors serve a term of five years.
  • Directors can be re-elected for up to two consecutive terms.

Minimum Share Capital Requirements for a Producer Company

  • The minimum Authorized Capital for a Producer Company is Rs. 5 lakh.
  • However, the Authorized Capital can exceed Rs. 5 lakh as specified in the Memorandum of Association.
  • The Authorized Share Capital must adequately fulfil the objectives outlined in the memorandum.
  • The Authorized Share Capital needs to be realistic.
  • Furthermore, the minimum paid-up capital for a Producer Company is Rs. 1 lakh.

Producer Company Registration Procedure

Registering a Producer Company involves a structured procedure resembling incorporating a Private Limited Company in India. The steps are methodically designed to ensure legal compliance and the proper establishment of such a company. Here's a detailed breakdown of the farmer Producer company registration process:

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Step 1: Obtain a Digital Signature Certificate (DSC)

The initial step is to acquire a Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) for all the proposed directors of the company. The DSC is an electronic signature used to submit e-forms online securely. The documents required for obtaining a DSC include PAN Card of the Director, Aadhaar Card of the Director, Recent Photograph, Email ID, and Contact Number.

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Step 2: Obtain Director Identification Number (DIN)

Subsequent to the acquisition of DSC, the next step involves obtaining the Director Identification Number (DIN) for each director. The DIN is a unique identifier for a director and is required for a director to be appointed in any company. This can be obtained by filing the DIR-3 form or through the SPICe+ form, accompanied by Self-attested identity proof (like PAN card), Address proof, and Recent photograph.

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Step 3: Name Reservation

The name of the Producer Company must be unique and end with the words 'Producer Company.' For name reservation, Form SPICe+ is filed with the Registrar of Companies (ROC), proposing two names in order of preference and the significance behind those names. The ROC will then approve one of the proposed names based on availability and compliance with naming standards.

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Step 4: Preparation of Essential Documents

Once the name is approved, the following vital documents need to be prepared for incorporation: Memorandum of Association (MoA), Articles of Association (AoA), Form INC-22 for the Registered Office, Form DIR-12 for Directors Appointment, Affidavit (if necessary), and Registered Office Proof.

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Step 5: Filing of Incorporation Application

All the prepared documents and the application for incorporation are to be filed in Form SPICe+ with the ROC. The application must meticulously detail the company’s proposed structure, directors, and registered office.

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Step 6: ROC Verification and Certificate of Incorporation

The ROC will scrutinise the application and the attached documents for compliance with legal requirements. Upon satisfaction, the ROC will issue the Certificate of Incorporation, proving that the company has been legally constituted. The company can then commence its business operations.

Post-Incorporation Steps

After incorporation, the company may need to undertake additional steps such as applying for a PAN, TAN, and opening a bank account in the name of the Producer Company. The experts at Solocorp Verifocus Legal LLP are ready to assist you at every step of the registration process.

Compliance for Producer Companies

Producer Companies must adhere to various regulatory and operational compliances to ensure smooth functioning and alignment with legal and tax requirements.

  • Audit and Reporting

    Producer Companies must ensure rigorous financial management, including annual audits and presenting audited financials and reports at the AGM, with mandatory filings to the Registrar of Companies.

  • Conversion

    Existing cooperative societies in primary production can transition into Producer Companies under the Companies Act 2013.

  • Taxation

    Producer Companies are subject to standard corporate taxation but may qualify for agricultural activity-related tax benefits.

  • Share Capital Requirements

    A minimum of Rs. 5 lakhs authorised and Rs. 1 lakh paid-up share capital is required, with options to raise further capital per the Companies Act provisions.

  • Operational Objective

    The company's objectives must emphasise the production, handling, and marketing of members' primary produce, including import for member benefits.

  • Leadership and Decision-making

    Managed by a member-elected board, ensuring decisions align with company and member interests.

  • Profit Sharing

    Dividends can be distributed, capped at 20% of annual profits, in line with shareholdings.

  • Operational Restrictions

    Speculative activities unrelated to primary production are prohibited.

  • Structural Flexibility

    Conversion to a regular company is possible under specific conditions.

  • Dissolution/Winding-Up Procedures

    Voluntary or NCLT-ordered winding up follows standard company procedures.

  • Voting Limitations

    Voting by proxy is disallowed, focusing only on production-related resolutions.

  • Regular Meetings

    At least four board meetings yearly, adhering to quorum requirements.

  • Financial Prudence

    A statutory reserve from net profits is mandated until it matches the paid-up share capital designated for specified uses.

  • Expertise Utilization

    Option to hire professional managers with board and member approval.

  • NABARD Registration

    Registration with NABARD enables access to financial and technical support for agricultural advancements.

  • Operational Expansion

    Branches for primary activities are permitted under central management and Companies Act compliance.

  • Annual Return

    An annual return detailing company operations, membership, and financial health must be filed with the Registrar of Companies.

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Startup
Registrations
MCA Services
Recovery of shares
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Goods & Services Tax
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