Kathua: DLMC approves 4 FPOs for block Lohai Malhar, Barnoti, Bani and Keerain Gandyal

DC reviews achievements under Agriculture, allied sectors

 KATHUA, NOV 19 – District Level Monitoring Committee (DLMC) on “Central Sector Scheme of Promotion of Farmer Producer Organization (FPO)” today approved four FPOs for different blocks at its meeting chaired by District Development Commissioner, Rahul Pandey.

Chief Planning Officer, Chief Agriculture Officer,  District Horticulture Officer,  Chief Animal Husbandry Officer, District Development Manager, NABARD, District Manager, Lead Bank, Cluster Head, J&K Bank and  Experts from KVK were present in the meeting.

At the outset, District Development Commissioner, Kathua took detailed review of the existing Farmer Produce Organisations (FPO) set up in the district besides discussing at length the scope of setting up more  FPOs across the district.

Underlining the importance of extending adequate handholding to FPOs,  the DC said that all Farmers Producer Organizations (FPOs) are intended to provide a platform to small farmers to enable them to collectively meet their challenges such as access to agricultural inputs and marketing of produce. He also said that the government is trying to ensure that the capital cost of farmers is reduced, productivity is increased and farmers get fair prices for their produce.

The DC exhorted the members to provide a supportive ecosystem to farmers to enhance their income and work with zeal and dedication. He directed all the stakeholders to work in tandem for betterment of the farming community.

The meeting also decided to form a Sub- Committee which will hold monthly meeting to have better coordination among all the stakeholders,

On the occasion, DDM NABARD placed the list of the Clusters and Products identified for FPOs to be set up in different parts of the district.

After deliberation, the DLMC approved four FPOs to be set up in Lohai Malhar, Barnoti, Bani and Keerian Gandyal blocks.

The FPO coming up in block Loahi Malhar and sponsored through NABARD will have Apple, Pear and Walnut as Major Product besides Cole crops/Cucurbits as Minor products.

Similarly, the FPO proposed for the block Barnoti with the help of NABARD would adopt vegetables  as Major products and Mushroom, Sweet Corn, Litchi   as minor products.

Likewise, SFAC is also setting up FPO in Bani where Walnut, Apple, Apricot, Pear, Maize, Rajma and Honey will be its primary products, while Flowers, Herbs, Pecanuts and Vegetables will be its secondary products.

Another FPO proposed for Keerian Gandyal, would hold  Paddy, Maize and Wheat as its primary products, while Mango Guava, Litchi, Citrus Fruits, Honey, Vegetables and Flowers as secondary products.