KUPWARA, NOVEMBER 14: A mobilisation drive for two newly registered Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs), Sara Farmer Producer Organization Cooperative Limited, Magam, Handwara, and Lolab Agro Farmer Producer Organization Cooperative Limited, Chandigam, Lolab, was organised today at Town Hall, Handwara, under the JKCIP initiative of SKUAST-Kashmir, sponsored by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD).
The programme was graced by Prof. Raihana Habib Kanth, Director Extension, SKUAST-Kashmir, as the Chief Guest, while Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC), Handwara,Javed Naseem Masoodi, as the Guest of Honour. Dr. Mohammad Iqbal Bhat, Coordinator, Upscaling Collectivisation, JKCIP, along with officers from various line departments, scientists and farmers, also participated.
On the occasion, mobilisation support cheques of ₹1 lakh each were distributed to the two FPOs, amounting to a total of ₹2 lakh, to facilitate farmer mobilisation, strengthen institutional capacity and promote collective farming enterprises.
Addressing the gathering, Prof. Raihana Habib Kanth emphasised the importance of FPOs in improving farmers’ income, strengthening market linkages and promoting entrepreneurship. She congratulated the JKCIP and KVK Kupwara teams for their dedicated efforts in the formation and registration of the two FPOs. She also acknowledged the continued support of the Vice-Chancellor, SKUAST-Kashmir, Dr. Nazir Ahmad Ganie, IFAD and the Agriculture Production Department, Government of Jammu and Kashmir.
ADC Handwara appreciated the initiative and stressed coordinated efforts among farmers, government departments and agricultural institutions for sustainable rural development.
Dr. Mohammad Iqbal Bhat highlighted the importance of professional management, transparent functioning and collective marketing for the long-term sustainability of FPOs. Representatives of various line departments also assured technical guidance and institutional support to the newly established organisations.
The programme concluded with a commitment to strengthening farmer collectivisation and promoting sustainable, market-oriented agricultural development in the region.