Mela in Delhi Haat showcases FPO products to boost farmer empowerment

The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Small Farmers Agri-Business Association (SFAC), and Common Service Centres (CSC) jointly organized a Farmer Producer Organization (FPO) Mela at INA Market, Delhi Haat.

Major FPOs from across the country participated in the fair, displaying a wide range of products from more than 20 FPOs. Visitors had the opportunity to taste and experience the essence of natural products at the fair. FPOs are groups of farmers that run commercial activities related to farming and crop production in their area. They provide farmers with discounts on wholesale prices of agricultural inputs, such as manure, seeds, fertilizers, and equipment, and also help farmers sell their finished crops and produce in the market. FPOs are playing a vital role in boosting the rural economy.

To make it easier for farmers to access markets, the government has either formed or is in the process of forming an FPO in every block in the country. Today, more than 2,165 FPOs of 8 lakh farmers are doing business through the online platform ONDC an official release said.

Speaking at the event, Managing Director & CEO, CSC SPV, Sanjay Rakesh said that CSC has always strived to improve the lives of citizens in rural areas through various initiatives. Farmers and agriculture are an integral part of our initiative. "Thanks to the vast network of CSCs present in remote areas of the country, we are already providing various services to the farmers through tele-consultation, crop insurance, e-veterinary, Kisan Credit Card and PM Kisan schemes," he said.

"In this context, we are working with full enthusiasm in the formation of FPOs across the country. Our VLEs through FPOs are playing a big role in the empowerment of farmers across the country," he said. CSCs are delivery points where beneficiaries can seek assistance to claim benefits of various government-led schemes and public utilities.

CSCs provide rural citizens access to a variety of government services at their doorstep, such as caste, income, domicile, character certificates, and employment registration. Through these services, CSCs have played a remarkable role in helping the people of India in the field of e-governance. More than 5.5 lakh CSCs located in remote areas of the country have changed the lives of the citizens.

According to an estimate, there are more than 12 crore small and marginal farmers in India, with an average land holding size of less than 1.1 hectares. Most small and marginal farmers need access to both production and post-production functions, such as technology, quality inputs at reasonable prices, seed production, units of farming machinery, value added products, processing, credit, investment, and most importantly, markets.

Collectivisation of such producers through formation of FPOs is crucial to address these challenges and increase farmers' income. The FPO Mela held in Delhi Haat was a great success that showcased the wide range of products and services offered by FPOs. It also provided a platform for farmers to learn about the benefits of joining FPOs and how to access FPO services.

The government's focus on promoting FPOs is a welcome step that will help to empower farmers and boost rural economy.