Guwahati, 27 February (HS): The financial grant provided by the government to Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) is a revolutionary step towards the development of farmers, said Krishnakanta Bora, Organising Secretary of the Bharatiya Kisan Sangh (BKS), Assam, while addressing a press conference at Dispur Press Club on Thursday.

Bora stated that under the Chief Minister’s Utkarsh Yojana, the Assam government has taken a significant initiative by providing seed money as initial capital to 254 Farmer Producer Organisations across the state. The Bharatiya Kisan Sangh has appreciated the Chief Minister and the Assam government for this step. He noted that although many FPOs were equipped with basic infrastructure, they were unable to move forward due to the lack of initial capital. In several cases, despite farmers’ initiatives, industries could not function properly because of insufficient funds to procure raw materials. He expressed hope that the financial assistance would provide much-needed support to farmers.

He particularly mentioned that the grant would act as a lifeline for women-led FPOs and organisations operating in remote areas. Congratulating the beneficiary organisations, Bora extended his best wishes for their future endeavours. He also highlighted that over the past ten years, Bharatiya Kisan Sangh has been actively working in Assam to promote the formation of FPOs, create awareness among farmers, and establish linkages with government and business sectors. As a result, hundreds of FPOs have emerged across almost all districts of the state with the guidance and support of the organisation.

Bora urged the Assam government to ensure proper monitoring and effective utilisation of the grants within the stipulated period. He called for vigilant supervision by district agriculture offices and proper guidance regarding the utilisation of funds for procurement of raw materials, establishment of industries, and internal infrastructure development.

He further suggested that the government should constitute a state-level special task force comprising experts and experienced individuals to assist FPOs in expanding their businesses and strengthening infrastructure.

The BKS leader also proposed that local seed-producing agricultural entrepreneurs and model FPOs should be allotted suitable land to undertake pilot projects for large-scale cultivation of climate-suitable seeds and high-demand crops in Assam, such as lentils, green gram, potato, onion, and garlic. He said the government should procure seeds directly from seed-producing farmers and FPOs.

Referring to the government’s initiatives for paddy procurement, Bora said the farming community remains grateful. However, he stressed the need for a practical study to evaluate the accountability of PPC centre managers and rice mill owners in the procurement process carried out by FCI and other agencies.

Additionally, he urged the Chief Minister to ensure strict monitoring of the implementation of solar-powered irrigation schemes provided at subsidised rates by the Agriculture Department and irrigation projects undertaken by the Water Resources Department.

BKS Assam State Treasurer Bikash Singh and State Executive Member Pradip Pathak were also present at the press conference. -----------

Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash