Strengthening Institutional approach for collective action
20th June Akola: SwitchON Foundation in an attempt to strengthen and promote Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) conducted practical training sessions aimed at addressing key challenges faced by FPOs. The interactive training program brought together FPO members from Patur, Akola, Akot and Telhara fostering knowledge exchange and capacity building.
The training witnessed the presence of esteemed dignitaries and experts. Notable attendees included Smt. Neema Arora, District Magistrate, Shri Shriram Waghmare, District Development Manager, Dr. Murali Ingale Project Director of ATMA, Mr. Shankar Kirave, SAO, Krishi Vigyan Kendra, and representatives from Astiva Foundation.
Focused on the capacity building of the Board of Directors of FPOs, the training covered a wide range of essential topics. It touched upon Statutory Compliances that FPOs must adhere to, effective marketing and networking strategies, efficient FPO management techniques, developing robust business plans, and the best practices for successful governance by the Board of Directors. Moreover, the training sessions also addressed the issue of environment and climate change, emphasising sustainable agricultural practices and the role of FPOs in mitigating environmental impact.
Shri Vinay Jaju, MD of SwitchOn Foundation, said, “We aim to empower and strengthen the FPO ecosystem. By enhancing the capacity and knowledge of FPOs, we can empower these organisations to drive sustainable development and create a positive impact.“
This comprehensive training experience proved immensely valuable for FPOs, empowering them to enhance their operational capabilities and achieve sustainable growth in their respective communities while addressing the pressing concerns of climate change. By integrating environmental considerations into their practices, FPOs can play a pivotal role in building a more resilient and environmentally conscious agricultural sector.
A recent study by SwitchON Foundation in Akola district revealed that the groundwater level in Akola has decreased by 3% in 2021 compared to the previous year. This decline is attributed to changes in natural recharge from rainfall and increased groundwater usage for agricultural, domestic, and industrial purposes. The productivity of dryland crops in Akola is affected by low and unpredictable rainfall, resulting in limited adoption of advanced rainfed agricultural techniques. To address this, implementing on-farm water-saving technologies can enhance water use efficiency and ultimately improve crop productivity. SwitchON Foundation, through its FPOs educate farmers on water-saving techniques such as drip irrigation, rainwater harvesting, and efficient water management. By leveraging the collective strength of FPOs, farmers are making efforts to adopt sustainable practices that improve water efficiency. This collaborative approach fosters knowledge sharing and enables farmers to enhance agricultural productivity while conserving water resources in Akola.
Mr.Shriram Waghmare District Development Manager, further emphasised, “I commend the efforts of SwitchON Foundation to strengthen the FPOs. Capacity building plays a vital role in enhancing the productivity and efficiency of agricultural practices. Such training sessions will provide valuable insights to FPOs and help them achieve sustainable growth.”
Media Dossier
Contact: Vinay Jaju | M: +91 9331178105 | Email: VJ@SwitchON.org.in
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