The Department of Horticulture Budgam today held a daylong awareness cum sensitization programme on forming of Farmer Producer Organization (FPOs), and its Roles, Post Harvest Management Practices and Market Linkages at Sheikh-ul-Alam Hall Budgam.
Deputy Commissioner (DC) Budgam, S F Hamid, speaking as the chief guest on the occasion asserted the promotion of both Agricultural and Horticulture sectors as he said 87 percent of the population of the district is directly associated with these sectors.
The DC laid emphasis on promotion of these sectors for the progress and prosperity of the majority of the population in the district. He urged farmers to come forward and form FPOs, adopt latest technologies and massive awareness of schemes for promotion of progressive farming in the district.
He emphasized on the concerned departments to ensure full support to farmers with expertise on use of fertilizers, pruning and use of latest technologies across the district.The DC also highlighted the importance of holding such awareness camps and directed the Horticulture department to organise these sensitization programmes at block and panchayat level for massive awareness generation among farmers.
He urged youth to come forward to invest in Horticulture and Agriculture sectors for better economic resources instead of looking for jobs in other sectors.Assuring every possible support to the farmers for establishment of FPOs in the horticulture sector, the DC appealed the farmer participants to take maximum benefits of the awareness and sensitize other farmers also about the schemes and initiatives of the department.
Speaking on the occasion, Chief Horticulture Officer Budgam, Dr Mohammad Iqbal Baba said that the programme was conducted to aware farmers about benefits of various departmental schemes they can avail by forming FPOs and through the provisions of marketing linkages provided by the department.
Among other resource persons who spoke on the occasion include noted scientist Dr. Farooq Ahmad Agha as guest of honour; DDM, NABARD, Junaid Ahmad Hakeem; Area Marketing Officer and Sanitation Bushan Kumar; President Adfar FPO Limited, Mohammad Akbar Dar also spoke on the occasion and shared his success story.
Scores of orchardists and farmers attended the programme and were informed about the promotion of sustainable and equitable horticulture and rural prosperity through effective credit support, other related services and schemes being provided to them.