What is the minimum number of members needed to start an FPO?

There are two different numbers, so do not confuse them. To register a Producer Company you legally need a minimum of 10 individual producer members (as promoters/directors) under the Companies Act. But to qualify for the 10,000 FPO scheme support, the required membership is much higher and is set by area type, with plains FPOs needing a larger number than hilly or North East/hilly FPOs. So you can incorporate with 10, but you must grow membership to the scheme threshold to claim grants and benefits. Aim well above the bare minimum anyway, a few hundred active members gives you the buying volume and the share capital that make an FPO actually viable. Confirm the current minimum membership for your state and area category on the SFAC/NABARD scheme guidelines, since these thresholds have been specified separately for plains and hilly regions.