Tanveer Hussain
Budgam, October 30: Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K), through Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Budgam, in collaboration with ESAF Foundation, Kerala, organised a three-day training programme for members of Ashtar Valley Farmer Producer Organisation (FPO), Arigam, Khansahib, Budgam.
The training programme was organised on the theme “Strengthening the Business Performance of FPOs through Strategic Planning, Market Linkages and Effective Management Systems.” Around 40 members of Ashtar Valley FPO participated in the programme.
ESAF Foundation, Kerala, is actively working in the fields of rural development, economic empowerment, sustainable livelihoods and community development. In the agricultural sector, the organisation focuses on strengthening Farmer Producer Organisations, improving farmers’ access to markets and enhancing their entrepreneurial and managerial capabilities.
During the three-day programme, scientists from KVK Budgam and experts from SKUAST-K and other relevant institutions delivered technical lectures and conducted interactive sessions. The sessions covered various important topics, including the potential of FPOs and Farmer Producer Companies (FPCs) in Kashmir, business performance, financial analysis, market linkages, setting SMART goals, development of agricultural input and output businesses, resource planning, organisational management and effective decision-making at the board level.
The programme was coordinated by Dr Amberin Nabi, Scientist (Vegetable Science), and Dr Iram Farooq, SMS (Fisheries), with the support of the multidisciplinary scientific team of KVK Budgam. The entire training programme was conducted under the guidance of Dr Bilal Ahmad Lone, Professor-cum-Chief Scientist and Head, KVK Budgam, SKUAST-K.
Mr John P Inchakkalady, Associate Director (Programmes), ESAF Foundation, Kerala, interacted with the participants through video conferencing and shared his experiences and insights regarding the organisation’s role in promoting and strengthening FPOs and FPCs.
During the concluding session, Director Extension, Professor (Dr) Raihana Habib Kanth, interacted with the participants and highlighted various aspects of the establishment and promotion of FPOs and FPCs. She emphasised their significance in strengthening the agricultural sector and improving the economic prospects of farming communities.
Meanwhile, a study tour was also organised for members of Sada Bahar FPO, B.K. Pora, Budgam. As part of the visit, participants toured ICAR-Central Institute of Temperate Horticulture (ICAR-CITH), Srinagar, and the Dryland Agriculture Research Station (DARS), Rangreth.
The objective of the visit was to familiarise participants with successful agricultural initiatives, institutional models and best practices related to FPO development. The farmers also got an opportunity to exchange experiences, interact with experts and gain practical knowledge about collective farming, product marketing and agricultural enterprise development.
The programme concluded with a commitment to further strengthen collaboration among KVK Budgam, ESAF Foundation and Farmer Producer Organisations to promote entrepreneurial skills among farmers, strengthen agricultural value chains and improve the socio-economic conditions of farming communities.
