Context:
In a significant step to empower farmers with scientific knowledge and improve farm productivity, a Farmers’ Library was inaugurated at Mushkabad FAM Dairy Producer Company Limited in Ludhiana, Punjab. The initiative is part of a NABARD-funded research project aimed at promoting Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) in the dairy sector.
Key Highlights:
- Inaugurated by Dr J P S Gill, Vice-Chancellor of Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (GADVASU).
- The library aims to disseminate the latest scientific farming practices, bridging the knowledge gap among farmers.
- Visitors can access farm literature aligned with university recommendations to boost livestock productivity and sustainable farming.
Project Details
- Implemented under the project: “Promotion of FPO on Dairy Farming in Ludhiana”.
- NABARD provides financial and technical support, enhancing market linkages and improving farmers’ economic status.
What is a Farmer Producer Organization (FPO)?
A Farmer Producer Organization (FPO) is a legal entity formed by farmers to collectively engage in agricultural and allied activities, aiming to improve their income, market access, and bargaining power.
Key Features of FPOs
- An FPO is a registered collective of farmers (usually small and marginal) who come together to improve production, processing, and marketing of their agricultural produce.
- FPOs are generally set up under:
- Companies Act, 2013 as Producer Companies
- Cooperative Societies Act
- Societies Registration Act, etc.
Objective
- To enhance farmers’ income by leveraging economies of scale, value addition, and better market access.
- To act as a bridge between farmers and buyers, including processors, exporters, and retailers.
