Modalities finalised for formation of Farmer Producer organizations in Rajouri DC asks for roping in young entrepreneurs in agri-business

RAJOURI, NOVEMBER 16:–District Development Commissioner (DDC) Rajouri, Rajesh Kumar Shavan today chaired a meeting to discuss and finalize the modalities for the formulation and implementation of the Central Scheme “Formation and Promotion of Farmer Producer Organization (FPO)” in the district.

The Formation & Promotion of FPOs has been tasked to the Implementing Agencies (IAs) under this Central Sector Scheme with funding from the Government of India.

In Rajouri, 9 Implementing Agencies (IAs) have been finalized for the formation and promotion of FPOs and Small Farmers Agri-Business Consortium (SFAC).

At the outset, Project Director, Dr R S Manhas said that Small Farmers Agri-Business Consortium is helping in the formation and growth of FPOs and the development of business activities of the FPOs. He further informed that in the first phase six FPOs are to be constituted in the district.

“The aim of forming the FPOs is to reduce the capital cost, increase the productivity and ensure that the farmers get fair prices for their produce, “he added.

The DDC said that Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) are intended to build a prosperous and sustainable agriculture sector by promoting and supporting member-owned Producer Organizations that enable farmers to enhance productivity through efficient, cost-effective and sustainable resource use and realize higher returns for their produce, through collective action supported by the government, and fruitful collaboration with the implementing agencies.

The DDC urged the stakeholders to mobilize the field staff for identifying the potential Produce clusters and also generate mass awareness among the progressive farmers for the formation of FPOs in the district.

The District Development Commissioner said that the district administration is committed to provide all the basic facilities and other logistics to the FPOs and other entrepreneurs who are intending to open a venture in the district.

“The district Administration Rajouri has roped in THRI-BHARTI ENTERPRISES which deals in Oils, natural extracts and food, to provide market linkage to those farmers who are growing oilseed in the district,” the DC informed.