Barpeta (Assam), 19 August (HS): A modern mustard oil mill has been established at Patbaushi in Assam’s Barpeta district by Lakshmi Cooperative Farmer Producer Organisation (FPO), affiliated with the Bharatiya Kisan Sangh (BKS), Assam. The facility has a mustard seed processing capacity of 2.5 tonnes per day.

The oil mill has been established under the Chief Minister’s Utkarsh Yojana, aimed at promoting farmer-owned enterprises, adding value to agricultural produce and creating better market opportunities for the farming community. Around 450 farmers are associated with the FPO.

The new facility will enable member farmers to process and market their mustard produce while helping provide consumers with pure and organically produced mustard oil. The initiative is also expected to strengthen local processing and the farm-to-consumer supply chain.

Several dignitaries attended the inauguration, including Amit Kumar Nigam, Regional Director, NCDC; Mahendra Kumar Meena, Assistant Director, NCDC; Bhavesh Das, President, Sushila Foundation for Agricultural and Rural Development; Pallavi Shinde Deka, CEO, FPO; Shailen Pathak, President; Hangsha Das, Director; Bishwajit Das, Director; Diganta Deka, FPO Director; and Krishna Kanta Bora of Bharatiya Kisan Sangh, Assam.

Addressing the programme, NCDC Regional Director Amit Kumar Nigam stressed the importance of strong FPO governance, professional management and effective implementation of government schemes. He also highlighted the need to make proper use of available government support and schemes to ensure the sustainable growth of FPOs and greater economic benefits for farmers.

The owner of Barpeta’s well-known mustard oil brand Pushpa also attended the programme and shared practical suggestions on marketing strategies, product promotion and technical aspects of product marketing. The guidance is expected to help the FPO expand its mustard oil business and develop a strong market presence.

The establishment of the mill is being seen as an important step towards local processing, value addition and strengthening the agricultural supply chain. It is expected to provide better market opportunities to the 450 member farmers, reduce dependence on intermediaries and contribute to improving farm incomes.

The initiative also underlines the importance of developing FPOs as sustainable farmer-owned business organisations and encouraging farmers to move beyond primary production towards processing, branding and direct marketing.

Lakshmi Cooperative FPO has expressed its commitment to producing quality mustard oil and building a strong market identity while ensuring that the benefits of the enterprise reach its member farmers.----------

Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash