Agents of Prosperity

Context:

In the past two years, Eastern UP has emerged as a hub of vegetable and fruit exports. Progressive farmers have associated with Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) of the region and become agents of change.

Empowering Farmers through FPOs

• Addressing Fragmented Holdings: Farmer Producers’ Organizations (FPOs) have emerged as a solution, providing a collective platform for farmers in a specific geographic area, registered under the Companies Act or as cooperatives.
• Roles and Potential of FPOs: FPOs have demonstrated the ability to promote cluster-based farming, enabling economies of scale in input management and technology adoption.
• Central Initiative and State Synergy: The Central government's scheme to establish and promote 10,000 FPOs encourages collaboration among farmers, especially in activities like input management.

FPOs Driving Agricultural Growth

• Convergence of Schemes: FPO Shakti portal aids active FPOs with grievance redressal, partnerships, and convergence, fostering a collaborative platform for agricultural growth.
• Incentives for Infrastructure Development: FPOs receive 3% interest subvention from Agriculture Infrastructure Fund, further augmented by UP government, promoting post-harvest infrastructure like storage.
• Capital subsidies and additional incentives encourage FPOs to establish vital facilities, including warehouses, cold storage, and ripening chambers.

Comprehensive Approach to Agricultural Development

• Technological intervention: Government emphasizes convergence across farm mechanization, seed production, agri-marketing, and technology like agri-drones, fostering holistic agricultural progress.
• Farming expansion: FPOs actively engage in crop diversification and value addition, emphasizing cereals, medicinal crops, and sugarcane-based products for economic prosperity.
• Collaborated approach: FPOs lead initiatives like One District One Product, exemplified by successful Kalanamak rice cultivation, fostering innovation and regional economic growth.