Budgam:* Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Budgam, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K), in collaboration with KRD Energy Solution Private Limited, organised a Capacity-Building Programme for the Board of Directors, Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) and Accountants of ten newly established Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) sponsored by the Small Farmers’ Agribusiness Consortium (SFAC).
The programme aimed at strengthening the managerial, institutional and financial capacities of FPOs, with a special focus on enhancing managerial skills, financial understanding and professional competencies among their key functionaries.
Speaking on the occasion, Mohammad Azad, Project Manager, KRD Energy Solution Private Limited, briefed the participants about financial and marketing solutions for regional agricultural produce through FPOs.
Prof. Bhinish Shakeel highlighted the role of collective and commodity-based operations in bringing socio-economic transformation among small and marginal farmers.
Dr. Shabir A. Ganie elaborated on the roles, responsibilities and functions of the Board of Directors, CEOs and Accountants, emphasising effective organisational management and accountability.
Dr. Kavita Rani apprised the participants about various government schemes and support programmes available for the agricultural and allied sectors, which FPOs can utilise for growth, diversification and long-term economic sustainability.
An experience-sharing session was also organised with Mudasir Ahmad, CEO of Khag Kissan Dairy Farmers Cooperative Limited, who shared his experiences and success story to motivate the newly established FPOs and encourage them to adopt similar collective approaches.
The participants were also sensitised about various post-harvest management practices, including scientific handling, grading, sorting, storage, processing, value addition and marketing of agricultural produce.
Special emphasis was laid on adopting appropriate post-harvest technologies to minimise losses, improve the quality and shelf life of agricultural products, enhance marketability and maximise returns to farmers.
The programme also highlighted the importance of sound financial management, proper accounting practices, organisational governance, business planning, transparency and accountability to ensure that FPOs function as viable, commercially sustainable and professionally managed farmer-led enterprises.
KVK Budgam reiterated its commitment to providing need-based capacity-building support, technical guidance and institutional handholding to FPOs for strengthening agricultural value chains, promoting rural entrepreneurship and enhancing farmers’ income through collective and collaborative initiatives.
