Progress of FPOs reviewed at Kupwara

KUPWARA : On the directions of Deputy Commissioner Kupwara, ACR Kupwara, Aijaz Ahmad Bhat today chaired a meeting to review the progress of Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) in the district.

The meeting held a threadbare discussion on various issues including facilitating development of vibrant & sustainable income oriented farmers collectives, Reducing of cost of production, Increasing per unit productivity, better market linkages and enhancing income. Besides, support to new FPOs for 5 years in management, input supply, production, procurement, processing & value addition, market linkages, credit linkages and capacity building for Agri-entrepreneurship skills were also discussed in detail.
On the occasion, the ACR directed for strengthening of the interface between the department and FPOs to ensure proper handholding of the farmer entrepreneurs. He urged for circulation of success stories of the FPOs so that more and more unemployed youth get motivated to become agriculture entrepreneurs and earn their livelihood.
Meanwhile, the officers from different departments highlighted the scope of FPOs towards livelihood and income generation. They also interacted with the entrepreneurs who shared their experience with them. The officers assured for every possible assistance from their respective departments for handholding of the entrepreneurs.
Member Secy-FPO CSS, Zubair Wasil, Chief Agriculture Officer, G.M Dobhi, CAHO, M. Ashraf Malik, officers from Horticulture, Sheep Husbandry, KVK, Lead Bank, besides, Agriculture entrepreneurs, representatives from SFAC, NAFED and other concerned attended the meeting.