Srinagar: Director Extension, SKUAST-K Prof. D. M. Makhdoomi today interacted with the Board of Directors of Shopian Apple Farmers Co-operative Limited (SAFCL). SAFCL is a Farmer Producer Organization (FPO) formed by Apple growers of block Kellar of District Shopian under the patronage of Directorate of Extension, SKUAST-Kashmir and being promoted by KVK Shopian. Elaborating upon the said FPO, Javaid Ahmad Bhat Chairman/CEO of SAFCL told that the necessary codal formalities for the formation of FPO regarding baseline data, aggregation of minimum 100 growers, required representation to small, marginal and women growers and one time registration fee of rupees 2000 from each member has already been done. Mr. Bhat also introduced his team of Board of Directors to Director Extension and the scientists concerned.
Congratulated the chairman and his team,Director Extension Prof. Makhdoomi briefed them thoroughly about the various strategies to ensure sustainability of their FPO. He told them to come up with a directory containing all the relevant information about all the members, their agricultural status in terms of size of holding, area under different crops, the production data, surplus produce available for marketing and all other related aspects for the successful conduct of a FPO. Prof. Makhdoomi also told them about the various functions that they have to perform in the capacity of Board of Directors. WDE also instructed them to make a viable business plan for their FPO that should include ensuring availability of all the inputs including quality planting material to the members, identify various marketing channels and to look for development of appropriate marketing linkages. The said interaction was also attended by concerned scientists Dr. Mohd. Iqbal Bhat, Dr. Mohd Yaqoob Wani, Dr. Sanjay Raina and Dr. Parveen Kumar. Board of Directors of SAFCL thanked Directorate of Extension headed by Prof. Makhdoomi for working towards the cause of farming community of the region.

KR Desk