District-Level Monitoring Committee Meeting on Central Sector Scheme for 10,000 FPOs Held in Hnahthial

Hnahthial : A meeting of the District-Level Monitoring Committee under the Central Sector Scheme for 10,000 Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) was held today at the Hnahthial DC Meeting Hall, chaired by Hnahthial Additional Deputy Commissioner, Pu Zothanmawia Khiangte. The meeting focused on reviewing the progress and future implementation of the scheme in the district.

During the meeting, discussions were held on the status and activities of the Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) in Hnahthial. Currently, two FPOs are operating in the district: the Hnahthial FPO and the Darbilhi Tea Producer Cooperative Society Limited. The Small Farmers Agribusiness Consortium (SFAC) provided updates on the activities of the FPOs, highlighting that their primary crop under the scheme is dragon fruit, particularly dragon fruit juice. Additionally, sawthar (Mizo cherry) and Mizo chilli are also being cultivated under the scheme. The committee also explored opportunities for convergence with other schemes to maximize benefits under the FPO scheme.

For the Darbilhi Tea Producer Cooperative Society Limited, NABARD serves as the implementing agency, with their primary focus being Darzo tea production. The meeting also discussed logistical challenges such as transportation costs and electricity supply, which affect the operation of these FPOs. The participants deliberated on strategies to improve local marketing and distribution of their products within Hnahthial District.

The 10,000 FPO scheme is part of the Central Sector Scheme (100% funded by the central government), aimed at establishing 10,000 Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) across India by 2025. NABARD and SFAC are the key implementing agencies for this scheme, which seeks to empower farmers by providing them with market support and access to profitable opportunities through collective organization.

Attendees at the meeting included District Agriculture Officer, Pu MS Dawngliana; District Horticulture Officer, Pu Lalthakima; Senior Scientist from KVK; DFDO; and Assistant DAO.