The Business Bytes
TBB BUREAU
BHUBANESWAR, NOV 25, 2023
NABARD Odisha Regional Office organized a state level conclave on “Enhancement of Skill of FPO and SHG Members” at Railway Auditorium, here on Saturday with focus on the skill gaps under agri, allied, MSME and agro-processing sectors in the State.
During the conclave 50 FPOs were provided the sanction letters for a credit support worth Rs 6.57 crore through Nabkisan, comprising 48 Farmers Producers Organizations (FPOs) and two Off-Farm Producers Organizations from 21 districts of Odisha.
Further, Rs.1.21 crore was sanctioned for various skill development interventions for 1190 SHG members and livelihood generation initiatives like Grameen Dukan and Mobile Carts in addition to six RSETIs in the State.
Union Skill & Entrepreneurship Minister Dharmendra Pradhan who graced the occasion as the Chief Guest, highlighted the need of skilling in FPOs and SHGs for effective linkage of small and marginal farmers to agricultural value chains and enhancing farm incomes.
Pradhan emphasized the initiatives of the Union Government and banks with the special focus on NABARD for extending credit to rural poor women with almost interest-free loans which has made a positive impact in their financial status. He also highlighted the credit support extended to the State Government by NABARD for various rural infrastructure.
NABARD Deputy Managing Director Dr. Ajay Sood highlighted that NABARD has always been taking special initiatives for skill development of farmers and SHG members which has been the foundation towards formation of FPOs. He also explained the importance of community driven institutions at the grassroots in safeguarding the interest of the small and marginal producers. Considering the significant role FPOs can play in the agriculture sector, NABARD has embraced FPO promotion as one of the priority areas and is committed to provide an appropriate ecosystem for sustainable growth of FPOs in Odisha, he added.
NABARD Odisha Regional Office Chief General Manager Dr. Sudhanshu K Mishra, in his address stated that NABARD has promoted 392 FPOs and 13 OFPOs across Odisha. With the efforts of NABARD and other stakeholders, the FPOs are on a growth path and are into various business activities. To facilitate marketing and forward linkages of the FPOs promoted by NABARD in Odisha, the Regional Office has taken initiative to form a State Level Federation, he informed.
The event was attended by SHG women, farmers, artisans, and potters from various districts of Odisha. There was also a display of NABARD’s initiative and interventions in the State.
