FPOs are big leap towards sustainable farming, doubling farmers’ income: Dr Basharat

PULWAMA: Deputy Commissioner (DC) Pulwama, Basharat Qayoom on Monday chaired a meeting of District Level Monitoring Committee (DLMC) to review the formation, promotion and performance of Farmers Producer Organisations (FPOs) in the district.
The DC said that all Farmers Producer Organizations (FPOs) are intended to provide a platform to small farmers to enable them to collectively meet their challenges such as access to agricultural inputs and reliable market linkages. He said that the government is trying to ensure that the capital cost of farmers is reduced, productivity is increased and farmers get fair prices for their produce.
Dr Basharat said that the government efforts are made to bring agricultural markets closer to farming areas and in the next few years, rural haats (village markets) will become the new centers of the agricultural economy.
He asked the concerned departments to spread mass awareness among the farmers about the economic benefits of the FPO scheme. He also underlined the need for developing a database of area wise variety of fruits, vegetables and crops for inclusive and holistic planning.
He said that by putting scientific knowledge and skill in existing systems would also bring positive changes in farming.
The DC directed the concerned Officers to designate the Nodal Officers for effective implementation of the scheme and added that the requisite information related to the respective departments and potential activities shall be submitted within weeks’ time.
This, he said, is the major step towards improving farmers income sustainability. He emphasized on the team approach to help the farmers to transform themselves into agro- entrepreneur.
Earlier, a brief discussion was held on the existing FPOs and the scope of their activities.
The meeting discussed prospective business plan of existing FPOs with CBBOs, progress of FPOs and future course of action of newly approved FPOs.
DDM NABARD, who is also the Member Secretary of DLMC, informed the Chair about support and monitoring of the FPOs by NABARD. He also highlighted the salient features of the scheme, besides area of services and activities to be undertaken by the FPOs.
The DC reiterated that formation and promotion of FPOs was the first step towards enhancing cost effective production and net increase in the income of the farmers. He urged the stakeholder departments to work with an all-inclusive and holistic approach for enhancing the income of Farmers.
The FPOs present on the occasion put forth their valuable suggestions regarding their established units to increase in the productivity.
The meeting was attended by the Chief Planning Officer, DDM NABARD, DSHO, FPO’s representatives of CBBOs and other members of the Committee.

KR Desk