Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Mar 16: MLA Nagrota Devyani Rana today inaugurated the office of the Mathwar Farmer Producer Organisation (FPO) at Agore and launched a one-day awareness programme aimed at educating farmers about the functioning and benefits of Farmer Producer Organisations.
Describing the occasion as a “dream come true,” the MLA recalled the vision of her late father, Devender Singh Rana, former legislator who worked tirelessly for the welfare of farmers in the region.
Rana said that the inauguration of the FPO office marks the realization of that vision and a significant step towards empowering farmers through collective efforts and cooperative initiatives.
The Mathwar FPO has been established with financial assistance from the National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC), a premier Government of India institution that promotes cooperative development across the country. The initiative seeks to empower farmers by enabling them to work collectively, improve productivity, access better markets and enhance their income through organized agricultural activities.
Speaking on the occasion, Devyani Rana said that FPOs have emerged as an important instrument for strengthening the rural economy and improving the socio-economic condition of farmers.
Addressing progressive farmers of Block Mathwar during the awareness programme organised under the Central Sector Scheme for promotion of FPOs, the MLA said that cooperatives embody the true spirit of collective progress by uniting individuals, pooling resources and creating opportunities for equitable development.
The newly inaugurated Mathwar FPO office at Agore is expected to serve as a key hub for farmers of the surrounding areas, enabling them to coordinate activities, receive technical guidance and expand their agricultural enterprises through cooperative efforts, she added.
Speaking of the occasion, Lalit Goel Regional Director NCDC informed that the Mathwar FPO has been sanctioned a management cost assistance of Rs 42.00 lakh along with an equity grant of up to Rs 15.00 lakh to strengthen its institutional functioning and support member farmers.
On the occasion, Vikrant Dogra, Chairman of Unati Agri Allied and Marketing Multi-State Cooperative Society Ltd. and Chairman and CEO of the Jammu and Kashmir Dairy Cooperative Federation Ltd. also addressed the gathering.
A large number of farmers, members of the FPO, officials of the Cooperative Department and local residents attended the event and welcomed the establishment of the office.
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