Awareness / capacity building prog organised
Source: Chronicle News Service

Kakching, November 21 2024: A one-day Awareness-cum-Capacity Building Programme for Chakpi Integrated Farmers' Cooperative Society Limited Farmer Producer Organisation (FPO), Chakpikarong block, was held at the conference hall of Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Chandel on Thursday.

Speaking on the occasion, Chakpikarong Block FPO nodal officer Dr Kangjam Sonamani highlighted the significance of strengthening FPO to enhance income opportunities for ginger producers.

Noting that small cultivators often lack the capacity to reap benefit and face challenges due to the non-transparent practices of intermediaries in agricultural marketing, he urged the FPO to act as an aggregator for its members, handling everything from inputs to outputs, which would boost their bargaining power and economic prospects.

KVK, Chandel head and senior scientist Dr A Ameeta stressed the importance of focusing on ginger cultivation, identified as the district's one district-one crop.

She pointed out that surplus ginger production often leads to spoilage and wastage, demoralising the farmers.

As such building a robust supply chain and incorporating value addition to ginger could significantly improve farmers' incomes, Ameeta suggested.

Subject matter specialist (Agronomy) Dr Khumlo Le-vish provided detailed insights into the functioning of FPOs, underlining the need for timely procurement of ginger and adherence to scientific cultivation practices to ensure profitable yields as CEO of Chakpi Integrated Farmers' Cooperative Society Ltd FPO, Changde Catherine shared her experiences and encouraged members to work with greater dedication.

Altogether, 31 members, including KVK, Chandel staffers, attended the programme, which was aimed at empowering the farmers through collective organisation and strategic approaches to ginger cultivation and marketing, and ensuring long-term benefits for the farming community in Chakpikarong block.

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