What is an FPO?
FPO stands for Farmer Producers’ Organization. It is a collective of farmers working in a specific geographical area and can be registered under the Companies Act or as a cooperative under the Societies Registration Act.
What Challenges do FPOs Address?
FPOs tackle the issue of fragmented agricultural holdings, thereby bringing economies of scale in farming operations. They facilitate agri-extension, technology adoption, and market linkage.
How are FPOs Being Promoted?
The Central Government aims to form 10,000 FPOs. In Uttar Pradesh, an FPO cell has been constituted to provide continuous support, ensuring convergence of various schemes.
What is the FPO Shakti Portal?
This portal acts as a one-stop solution for grievance redressal and business partnerships for active FPOs in Uttar Pradesh.
What Financial Support is Available?
Both the Central and UP governments provide interest subventions and capital subsidies to FPOs to develop post-harvest facilities like cold storage and warehouses.
How Effective Have FPOs Been?
FPOs have established seed processing units, Farm Machinery Banks, and are playing a vital role in crop diversification and value addition.
What is One District One Product?
In Uttar Pradesh, FPOs have been central to the “One District One Product” scheme, like in Siddharthnagar district where Kalanamak rice farming is the focus.
What about Nutritional Outcomes?
FPOs are also improving nutrition by developing high-nutrient agri-products such as millets and fortified cereals.
What are the Future Prospects?
FPOs are emerging as hubs for innovation, including entering into dealership agreements for seeds, fertilizers, and agri-tech, and registering local products under Geographical Indications.
Are FPOs Expanding Their Footprint in Export Markets?
Yes, particularly in Eastern UP which has become a hub for vegetable and fruit exports.
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