MSFAC, KVK Andro kick start farmers' training programme
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, September 23 2019:
Manipur State Agri Business Consortium (MSFAC) and Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) Andro, under the aegis of National Institute of Agricultural Marketing (NIAM), kickstarted a three days farmers' training programme under the theme 'Market led Extension' at KVK Andro complex today.
Central Agricultural University (CAU) Imphal Extension Education Director Professor RK Saha, MSFAC Project Coordinator MS Khaidem and KVK Andro Senior Scientist Soram Molibala Devi attended the event as the presidium members.
Speaking at the event, KVK Andro Senior Scientist S Molibala said that nowadays, agriprenuer, which is the practice of selling and marketing the produces grown by a farmer himself or herself, is starting to gain traction.
The training programme has been organised with the aim of making the farmers aware of this particular topic, she said, adding that during the training programme, numerous scientists and experts of KVK, CAU and ICAR will impart knowledge to the farmers.
MSFAC Project Coordinator MS Khaidem said that experts will speak or deliberate on 12 important topics during the training programme which is held under the aegis of NIAM and added that discussion session will also be held for the farmers as well.
He explained that marketing or selling a produce is also a very important topic or area when it comes to agriculture.
It is imperative to analyse which crops to grow, when to grow them, which crops are in great demand etc.
Other areas like value addition or packaging styles etc.
also have to be considered, he added.
In short, farmers should also have proper knowledge about marketing their products nowadays, he explained.
MSFAC was set up for this particular purpose.
Nowadays, people are becoming aware of the term contract farming in which the buyers sign a contract with the farmers before the crops are planted.
This will prevent any instances of the farmers running into loss as well as eliminate the need for a middleman thus increasing profit, he informed.
On the other hand, CAU Extension Education Director Professor RK Saha said that NIAM is spearheading various works in the field of agri-marketing for the benefit of the farmers.
Pointing out that CAU is also working on such similar programmes, he said that these programmes are a necessity as the farmers in remote areas are facing issues of marketing and transportation even today.
Contract farming will rid all off these issues and problems, he said.
MSFAC and KVK can organise such programme but it also needs the full participation and cooperation from the farmers themselves to be successful, he explained.
Numerous people from Andro and its surrounding areas took part in the training programme today.