Ministry of Agriculture and Farmer Welfare Hosts National Workshop on Promoting FPOs In New Delhi

The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmer Welfare is organizing a national workshop today in New Delhi with the objective of establishing and promoting 10,000 Farmers Producers Organisations (FPOs) across the country. The workshop aims to highlight the instrumental role FPOs play in reducing loss and wastage in the agricultural value chain system.

During the inaugural session, Agriculture and Farmer Welfare Secretary, Mr. Manoj Ahuja, emphasized the significance of FPOs in enhancing the efficiency of the entire agricultural ecosystem. He stated that FPOs have the potential to bring about positive changes by addressing challenges in the agriculture sector.

Recognizing the importance of capacity building for FPOs, Mr. Ahuja expressed high expectations for the program. He urged FPOs to work with dedication in order to achieve the set targets and collectively address pertinent issues faced by farmers.

The Central Sector Scheme for the formation and promotion of 10,000 FPOs was launched by the central government in 2020, with a substantial budgetary outlay of over INR 6,800 crores. This scheme aims to empower farmers and enable them to benefit from the collective strength of organized groups. By forming FPOs, farmers can gain access to better market opportunities, reduce post-harvest losses, and improve their bargaining power.

FPOs are structured as farmer-owned organizations that facilitate the aggregation of produce, input purchase, value addition, and marketing activities. These organizations serve as a bridge between farmers and markets, eliminating intermediaries and ensuring fair prices for agricultural produce.

Through the workshop, the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmer Welfare intends to create awareness among stakeholders about the potential benefits of FPOs. It also seeks to provide the necessary knowledge and skills to strengthen the functioning and efficiency of existing and future FPOs. The workshop will foster dialogue and knowledge exchange among participants, enabling them to learn from each other's experiences and best practices.

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The government's commitment to the success of FPOs demonstrates its dedication to transforming the agricultural landscape and improving the livelihoods of farmers across the country. The formation and promotion of 10,000 FPOs will have a profound impact on the agricultural sector, facilitating inclusive growth and sustainable development.

As the workshop progresses, participants will engage in interactive sessions, workshops, and discussions that will enable them to develop a comprehensive understanding of FPOs and their role in revolutionizing the agriculture value chain. The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmer Welfare remains committed to supporting FPOs and ensuring their successful implementation nationwide.

The national workshop serves as a platform for collaboration, innovation, and knowledge-sharing among key stakeholders, setting the stage for a brighter future for Indian farmers and the agricultural sector as a whole.

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