SRINAGAR: A one-day Training-cum-Orientation Programme for Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) was organisedon Friday at Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) Bandipora-1. The programme aimed to strengthen the capacity of FPO members by equipping them with scientific knowledge, leadership skills, and market-oriented approaches for improving farm productivity and profitability.
Dr. Tariq Sultan, Senior Scientist & Head, KVK Bandipora-1, inaugurated the programme and welcomed the participants. In his address, he highlighted the crucial role of FPOs in uniting farmers under one platform for collective marketing and better bargaining power. He stressed the importance of adopting modern agricultural technologies, maintaining transparency in group management, and building strong linkages with financial institutions and government departments.
Dr. Tahir Saleem, Dr. Nazir Ahmad Mir, Dr. Bilal Zargar, and Ms. Shabnum Mumtaz delivered lectures on improved farming methods, scientific pest control, judicious use of fertilizers, and efficient resource management. They emphasized the need for diversification of crops, post-harvest value addition, and branding of local produce to enhance farmers’ income.
An exposure visit was also conducted at KVK Bandipora-1, where participants observed demonstration units on protected cultivation, organic manure production, and modern irrigation systems. The team of scientists interacted closely with FPO members, providing practical solutions to their field-level problems.
The participants appreciated the efforts of KVK Bandipora-1 for organizing such programmes that link science with practice. The event concluded with an interactive session and vote of thanks, where it was resolved to continue collaborative efforts for strengthening the FPO movement in the district.