Strengthening Institutional approach for collective action
Amravati: 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 Chandurbajar and Achalpur fostering knowledge exchange and capacity building.
The training witnessed the presence of esteemed dignitaries and experts. Notable attendees include Mr. Ujwal Agarkar Nodal Officer Smart Project, Mr. Nilesh Rathod Supply Value Chain Expert Smart Project, Mr. Kamlesh Kapse BTM Atma Chandurbazar, Mr. Nilesh Kajalkar Agriculture Assistant Shahapur, Mr. Pankaj Kale Sendriya Agriculture Instructor, Mr. Roshan Mankar IEC Atal Bhujal GSDA.
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, “I am happy to be a part of this training session for FPOs in Maharashtra. 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 meteorological drought study conducted by various researchers indicated that the remote areas in Amravati district face chronic water scarcity, particularly during peak summer periods. Women, predominantly, endure the hardship of walking barefoot for kilometres over uneven and rocky terrain to fetch water from wells that are scorching hot. The district is encompassed by significant rivers such as Tapi, Purna, Wardha, Pedhi, and Chandrabhaga, with the Purna-Tapi and Wardha River basins covering a substantial portion of the district. Water levels in the central and southern parts of the district typically range from 10 to 20 metres below ground level before the monsoon season. Drought-prone regions in the southern part of the district exhibit deeper water levels beyond 20 metres bgl. 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 Amravati.
Mr. Nilesh Rathore Supply Value Chain Expert Smart Projects commented on the initiative, “I am glad to see organisations like SwitchOn Foundation taking the lead in providing practical training and support to empower our farming communities.The capacity building of FPOs is crucial for the growth of our agricultural sector. ”
Media Dossier
Contact: Vinay Jaju | M: +91 9331178105 | Email: VJ@SwitchON.org.in
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