Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (SKUAST) of Kashmir Monday commenced a month-long training of trainers (ToT) program aimed at capacity building of farmer producer organisations (FPOs) in Jammu and Kashmir.
Organised by the SKUAST-K’s Directorate of Research under the HADP Project 20: ‘Innovative Approaches for Promoting Agriculture in J&K’ in collaboration with the Agriculture Production Department, and conducted by the National Institute of Agricultural Extension Management (MANAGE), Hyderabad.
The ToT program seeks to train trainers who will, in turn, equip human resources with the skills necessary to manage farmer organizations, including FPOs, cooperatives, Self Help Groups, CIGS, FIGs and PACs,
MANAGE Hyderabad has brought a team of experts who will train the SKUAST-K scientists, officers of Agriculture and allied departments and other stakeholders for various aspects of FPO formation, business sustainability, planning and execution of its business activities.
Vice Chancellor, SKUAST-K, Prof Nazir Ahmad Ganai, who was the chief guest at the inaugural function, emphasised the importance of FPOs in empowering small and marginal farmers by improving their income and productivity through collective efforts.
The vice chancellor noted that in the advanced countries, 80 percent of agriculture produce is processed whereas in India only 20 percent is processed. However, in this part of the country, only 2 percent of produce undergoes processing, with the rest being exported raw, a situation that needs to be changed.
VC stressed that through these FPOs, a road map needs to be devised for converting subsistence agriculture into sustainable commercial agriculture.
“We are working on a mission and vision to make J&K a model bioeconomy in the country,” VC told the trainees.
Secretary, Agriculture Production Department, GA Sofi, who was the guest of honour, said J&K is fast moving towards self-sufficiency in food production. He said the Agriculture Department, together with the agriculture universities, has the responsibility to change the fortunes of the farmers.
Director, MANAGE, KC Gummagolmath, gave introduction of history and importance of FPOs in helping farmers increase their income. He also briefed about the training.
Director Agriculture, Kashmir, Chowdhary Mohammad Iqbal, in his introductory remarks, briefed about the FPO formation in J&K.
Director Research, SKUAST-K, Prof Haroon R Naik, presented the vote of thanks.
PI of HADP Project 20, Prof Masood Saleem Mir; Co-PIs Prof Irfan Bisati and Dr Mohammad Iqbal Bhat, SKUAST-K Officers, Deans and HODs of various faculties, Officers of Agriculture Department were also present at the inaugural function.