Farmer collectives need to be strengthened as engines of rural growth: VC SKUAST-K
Srinagar, Feb 15: An FPO Conclave was organised on the second day of GON’GUL 2026-the 11th AgriTech Mela of the Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K) at the Main Campus, Shalimar.
The programme featured an engaging panel discussion comprising senior officials and experts including representatives from National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD), SKUAST-K, Jammu and Kashmir Rural Livelihoods Mission (JKRLM), Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Jammu and Kashmir, and Directorate of Horticulture Kashmir. The panel deliberated on financial convergence, institutional strengthening, market access, capacity building, and policy support required for scaling up FPO activities in the region.
An interactive session with Chairpersons and CEOs of FPOs provided a platform for grassroots-level feedback, enabling direct dialogue between policymakers, financial institutions, and farmer collectives. The interaction highlighted key challenges including access to credit, infrastructure gaps, branding, and value addition.
Vice-Chancellor, SKUAST-K, Prof Nazir Ahmad Ganai, underscored the importance of strengthening farmer collectives as engines of rural transformation. He stressed the need for institutional handholding, technology integration, and robust marketing frameworks to ensure sustainable growth of FPOs in Jammu & Kashmir.
The programme commenced with registration of FPO Development Officers followed by a welcome address by Prof. Raihana Habib Kanth, Director Extension on Upscaling Collectivization under JKCIP. In her remarks, she emphasized the critical role of collective farming models and market linkages in enhancing farmers’ income and resilience.
A detailed presentation on the “Present Scenario and Future Strategies of FPOs in J&K” was delivered by Dr. Mohammad Iqbal Bhat, Coordinator, Upscaling Collectivization, JKCIP, SKUAST-K, highlighting the progress achieved so far and outlining strategic interventions for strengthening FPOs across the Union Territory.
Newly formed FPOs were felicitated during the programme in recognition of their efforts toward promoting collective farming and entrepreneurship.
The second day of GON’GUL 2026 also saw heavy footfall at various technology stalls, live demonstrations, seed and planting material counters, agri-startup exhibits, and farmer advisory desks, reflecting the growing enthusiasm for innovation-driven agriculture in the region.
