New Delhi: The government will carry out a comprehensive review of the performance of agricultural producer organizations (APOs) as the three-year support period for these entities ends, Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan announced on Monday.
Chauhan made the statement after visiting 55 FPOs that showcased their products at a fair organized at Dilli Haat INA here.
The FPO scheme, launched in 2020, aims to train and promote 10,000 new FPOs by 2024 with a budget provision of Rs 6,865 crore.
Under the programme, the government provided financial assistance of Rs 18 lakh per FPO for three years, along with matching capital grant and credit guarantee facility.
However, the minister acknowledged that results have been mixed, with some FPOs achieving significant success while others continue to face challenges.
"Some FPOs will be strong in three years, while others will struggle. We will conduct a comprehensive review of all FPOs to understand their progress and identify gaps where they need additional support," Chauhan told reporters.
Government-appointed implementing agencies, tasked with providing support and support to new FPOs for up to five years, will play a crucial role in the review process.
"The objective is to ensure that all FPOs are self-sustaining and contribute to overall farmer empowerment," Chauhan added.
Chauhan pointed out that around 8,875 FPOs have been established across the country so far, against the target of 10,000. Some FPOs have achieved a turnover of up to Rs 1 crore and are taking online orders.
The minister emphasized the importance of FPOs in bringing about a revolution in agriculture and increasing the income of farmers.
He recognized the challenges farmers face in marketing their products, unlike large private players with separate marketing budgets.
Chauhan said the products manufactured by FPOs are of better quality than those sold by large private companies, but they need a marketing platform to reach consumers.
Currently, the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) empowers FPOs by providing them access to digital markets and improving their market linkages. More than 5,000 registered FPOs are integrated into the ONDC portal.
The Small Farmers Agribusiness Consortium (SFAC) is also playing a critical role in promoting, supporting and building capacity of FPOs to help them become sustainable and viable agribusiness enterprises.
The SFAC plans to organize 22 fairs across the country during the current financial year to promote the products of the FPOs. The second fair will be held in Ambala, Haryana, later this month.
Chauhan made the statement after visiting 55 FPOs that showcased their products at a fair organized at Dilli Haat INA here.
The FPO scheme, launched in 2020, aims to train and promote 10,000 new FPOs by 2024 with a budget provision of Rs 6,865 crore.
Under the programme, the government provided financial assistance of Rs 18 lakh per FPO for three years, along with matching capital grant and credit guarantee facility.
However, the minister acknowledged that results have been mixed, with some FPOs achieving significant success while others continue to face challenges.
"Some FPOs will be strong in three years, while others will struggle. We will conduct a comprehensive review of all FPOs to understand their progress and identify gaps where they need additional support," Chauhan told reporters.
Government-appointed implementing agencies, tasked with providing support and support to new FPOs for up to five years, will play a crucial role in the review process.
"The objective is to ensure that all FPOs are self-sustaining and contribute to overall farmer empowerment," Chauhan added.
Chauhan pointed out that around 8,875 FPOs have been established across the country so far, against the target of 10,000. Some FPOs have achieved a turnover of up to Rs 1 crore and are taking online orders.
The minister emphasized the importance of FPOs in bringing about a revolution in agriculture and increasing the income of farmers.
He recognized the challenges farmers face in marketing their products, unlike large private players with separate marketing budgets.
Chauhan said the products manufactured by FPOs are of better quality than those sold by large private companies, but they need a marketing platform to reach consumers.
Currently, the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) empowers FPOs by providing them access to digital markets and improving their market linkages. More than 5,000 registered FPOs are integrated into the ONDC portal.
The Small Farmers Agribusiness Consortium (SFAC) is also playing a critical role in promoting, supporting and building capacity of FPOs to help them become sustainable and viable agribusiness enterprises.
The SFAC plans to organize 22 fairs across the country during the current financial year to promote the products of the FPOs. The second fair will be held in Ambala, Haryana, later this month.
