Early Times Report
Reasi, Aug 25: Prof. Surinder Kumar Gupta, Director Extension of Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Jammu (SKUAST-J), visited Sirah village in Reasi district of Jammu and Kashmir to inaugurate a training program for Farmers Producer Organization (FPO) members. The event was organized by Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Reasi, and witnessed enthusiastic participation from the Board of Directors and members of FPO, specifically Maa Vaishno Lemongrass Farmers Producers Cooperative Ltd.
Prof. SK Gupta, the Chief Guest of the event, inaugurated the training program and a farmers’ exhibition showcasing various technologies, including value-added products such as lemongrass oil and organic honey. He also inspected demonstration units established in the Painthal block of Reasi district.
In his inaugural address, Prof. Gupta provided an overview of FPOs and emphasized the advantages they bring to both producers and consumers. He stressed the importance of establishing marketing linkages and branding for lemongrass products. He advised FPO members to focus on value addition for lemongrass, vegetables, and spices to enhance income and employment opportunities. Prof. Gupta highlighted the potential benefits of grading and labeling in securing better prices for farm produce and encouraged the horizontal expansion of lemongrass cultivation. He shared success stories of national-level farmers and commended the efforts of KVK, Reasi, and the Department of Agriculture for their contributions to lemongrass and spice cultivation in the district. Prof. Gupta assured FPO members of technical support to address their challenges.
Earlier, Dr. Banarsi Lal, Sr. Scientist & Head of KVK Reasi, welcomed the Chief Guest and discussed the technical support provided by KVK to lemongrass, vegetable, and spice growers. He elaborated on the management and strengthening of FPOs and guided participants on aspects like bookkeeping, potential business ideas, and increasing membership. Dr. Suja Nabi Qureshi, Scientist, explained the role of FPOs in facilitating collective sale of farm produce without intermediaries and discussed the responsibilities of the Board of Directors and the necessary bye-laws. Bharat Bushan, Agriculture Extension Officer, Department of Agriculture, highlighted FPO’s role in providing backward and forward linkages to lemongrass crop producers. CEO of FPO, Jeet Singh Jamwal, stressed the importance of value addition for increased returns and promised to promote products on various platforms.
The event included a farmer-scientist interaction session and an exhibition showcasing various technologies related to lemongrass and other crops. Prof. Gupta also visited fields of lemongrass, spices, and floriculture, commending farmers for their efforts in commercial agriculture. The program concluded with Dr. Suja Nabi Qureshi delivering the formal vote of thanks. |
