Awareness cum mobilization programme under the Central Sponsored Scheme held

GNSONLINE KASHMIR

SHAKIR BHAT 

SRINAGAR FEBRUARY 13:–An Awareness cum mobilization programme under the Central Sponsored Scheme for the formation and promotion of FPOs was held on 12-02-2023 (Sunday) by a prospective FPO “Kashmir Valley Vegetables Produce Cooperative Ltd.” promoted by National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC) designated Cluster Based Business Organization (CBBO) Directorate of Extension, SKUAST Kashmir at Bangidara village of Achabal block in Anantnag District. The area has been identified as an Organic Vegetable Cluster already by Department of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare – Kashmir and same has been approved by District level monitoring committee for the formation of an FPO on Vegetable as primary commodity. In the said programme Prof. Dil Mohammad Makhdoomi Director Extension, Mr. Chowdhury Mohammad Iqbal Director Agriculture and Farmers Welfare – Kashmir, Deputy Director Chowdhary M Younis, Chief Agriculture Officer Mr Ajaz Ahmad Dar, Mr. Riyaz Ah Malik DAO Ext., SDAO Achabal and other zonal and circle officers along with the proposed Board of Directors and other identified promoters and farmers participated.
During the programme Dr. Mohammad Iqbal Bhat, Nodal Officer CBBO deliberated on the various steps that need to be taken for easy and smooth formation of an FPO. Chief Agriculture Officer, Anantnag Mr. Ajaz Ahmad identified the importance of organic certification for the better marketability and profitability of the produce. Deputy Director, A&FW, M. Younis shared the success stories from various functional FPOs with farmers so as to motivate them for the replication of their success model at Bangidara Village. Prof. Dil Mohammad Makhdoomi Director Extension, SKUAST Kashmir highlighted the significance of the FPO in aggregation and removal of middleman ship thus, fetching more price for the same produce and offered the under process FPO free stall for the display and sale of their product during the Kisan Mela 2023 which is scheduled to be held on 4-5th of March, 2023 at Main campus Shalimar. He also offered all sorts of help for expanding and improving the Capacity Development of the members of FPO members. Director Department of Agriculture & FW, Mr. Chowdhary Mohammad Iqbal elaborated the importance of FPOs in availing the assistance under Agriculture Infra Structure Fund (AIF) and other related schemes of GoI. He further express his happiness to see the enthusiasm and efforts put forth by the local youth the formation and promotion of a successful Farmer Producer Organization (FPO). He also assured them all sorts of help from the Department and the SKUAST-Kashmir.