New Delhi, January 28 – In a significant move to empower farmer producer organizations (FPOs) in Tamil Nadu, the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare has constituted a high-level committee. This panel will review operational challenges, recommend expansion strategies, and enhance outreach for these vital farmer collectives.
The decision follows Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan’s recent visit to Erode, where he engaged directly with farmers and stakeholders. Discussions highlighted persistent hurdles in operations, technology adoption, and market access faced by FPOs. Acting swiftly on feedback, the ministry approved the committee to conduct a thorough performance assessment and propose actionable improvements.
Comprising experts from NABARD, NAFED, SFAF-Tamil Nadu, ICAR-National Research Centre for Banana (NRCB), FPO representatives, NGOs, and departmental officials, the committee ensures a comprehensive, ground-level evaluation. It will probe key issues including institutional governance, business sustainability, technical support, aggregation challenges, value addition, marketing barriers, and capacity-building needs.
The panel’s recommendations will focus on advanced business models, enhanced technical advisory services, better institutional coordination, and robust market linkages. Special emphasis will be placed on Tamil Nadu’s key crops like banana, turmeric, coconut, tapioca, and organic farming systems.
Expected to submit its final report within two months to the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, the committee will be hosted by ICAR-ATARI, Hyderabad, in collaboration with ICAR-NRCB, Tiruchirapalli, and KVK. This setup will facilitate meetings, field visits, and report compilation with full logistical support.
This initiative underscores the government’s commitment to strengthening FPOs, which play a crucial role in improving farmer incomes, promoting sustainable agriculture, and integrating smallholders into value chains. By addressing systemic bottlenecks, the committee’s work could set a model for other states, fostering resilient farmer organizations nationwide.