SKUAST-K launches ToT to strengthen FPOs in Jammu and Kashmir

By Sandy Verma On Nov 5, 2024

SRINAGAR� �श्रीनगर: Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology Kashmir on Monday launched a month-long Training of Trainers (TOT) program aimed at capacity building of Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) in Jammu and Kashmir. Organized by Research Directorate of SKUAST-K under HADP Project 20: 'Innovative Approaches to Promote Agriculture in Jammu and Kashmir' in collaboration with Department of Agricultural Production, and conducted by National Institute of Agricultural Extension Management (MANAGE), Hyderabad. The objective of the TOT program is to train the trainers, who will in turn equip human resources with the skills required to manage farmer organizations including FPOs, cooperatives, self-help groups, CIGS, FIGs and PACs.

Manage Hyderabad has brought in a team of experts who will train the scientists of SKUAST-K, officials from agriculture and allied departments and other stakeholders on various aspects of FPO formation, business sustainability, planning and execution of its business activities. Professor Nazir Ahmed Ganai, Vice Chancellor of SKUAST-K, who was the chief guest at the inaugural ceremony, emphasized the importance of FPOs in empowering small and marginal farmers by improving their income and productivity through collective efforts. The Vice Chancellor said that in advanced countries 80 percent of agricultural produce is processed, whereas in India only 20 percent is processed.

However, only 2 percent of the produce in this part of the country is processed, the rest is exported raw, a situation that needs to change. The Vice Chancellor stressed that there is a need to prepare a road map to transform subsistence agriculture into sustainable commercial agriculture through these FPOs. “We are working on the mission and vision of making Jammu and Kashmir a model bio-economy in the country,” the Vice Chancellor told the trainees. Secretary, Agriculture Production Department, GA Sofi, who was the chief guest, said that Jammu and Kashmir is rapidly moving towards self-sufficiency in food production. He said that the Agriculture Department, along with agricultural universities, has the responsibility of changing the fortunes of the farmers.

KC Gummagolam, Director of Manage
th Introduced the history and importance of FPO in increasing the income of farmers. He also gave information about training. Director Agriculture, Kashmir, Chaudhary Mohammad Iqbal, in his introductory speech gave information about the formation of FPO in Jammu and Kashmir. Professor Aaron R Naik, Director of Research, SKUAST-K, presented the vote of thanks. PI of HADP Project 20 Prof. Masood Saleem Mir, Co-PI Prof. Irfan Bisati and Dr. Mohammad Iqbal Bhat, officials of SKUAST-K, Deans of various Faculties and HODs, officials of Agriculture Department were also present in the inauguration ceremony.