Farmers were encouraged to join Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) to boost their incomes and promote sustainable agriculture during a seminar in Aija. The seminar, organized by the Aija Mandal Farmers' Association, aimed to inform rural farmers about the advantages of FPOs.
S. Ramachandra Reddy, former BJP Jogulamba Gadwal District President, and Kampati Bhagat Reddy, Aija Town BJP President, spoke at the event. Ramachandra Reddy highlighted the central government’s efforts under Prime Minister Narendra Modi‘s leadership. He discussed the PM-Kisan FPO Scheme launched in 2020, which aims to double farmers’ income by grouping them into effective and self-reliant organizations.
Reddy explained that the government supports the formation of FPOs to boost productivity and improve market access for agricultural and related products. These organizations receive financial support, helping them operate as independent business units.
FPOs engage in activities such as providing seeds, fertilizers, and agrochemicals. They also rent out farming equipment like tillers and harvesters and offer storage and logistics services for farm produce.
Reddy stressed the importance of unity, stating that collective action allows farmers to tackle challenges more effectively. He urged the creation of more FPOs, especially in rural and tribal regions, where farmers can register as Mutually Aided Cooperative Societies (MACS) or Farmer Producer Companies.
Currently, there are over 10,000 FPOs in India, with about 600 located in Telangana and a similar number in Andhra Pradesh.
FPO members can receive free mango and sweet lime saplings for up to four acres, an incentive encouraging many to join. The Central Sustainable Agriculture (CSA) center also urged farmers to form local FPOs. Farmers were advised to visit the FPO office behind the Guest House in Aija to register. Membership costs ₹1,100, with a refund of ₹1,000 if a member opts out.
Local farmers participated eagerly in the seminar. Notable attendees included Aija FPO CEO Vineeth, Rangu Venkatesh, Lakshman Goud, Rangu Krishna, Kalyan, Narsimhulu, Advocate Venkatesh, Raghu, Bhimesh, Nagaraju, and others from nearby villages.
The event was an inspiring and informative session, aiming to empower rural farmers to create a sustainable and cooperative future through FPOs.
