In a significant move to bolster agricultural development, the Yogi Adityanath-led government in Uttar Pradesh has announced the establishment of a dedicated Farmer Producer Cell. This initiative aims to ensure that the state’s farmers receive the full benefits of government schemes and to solidify Uttar Pradesh’s position as a major food producer in India, according to an official statement.
Key Functions of the Farmer Producer Cell
The newly formed cell will serve as a pivotal agency responsible for accelerating the online registration of active Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) across the state. It will also connect these FPOs with online marketing platforms and facilitate their access to necessary licenses and equity grants.
To expedite these efforts, the state government plans to launch a three-month-long campaign, focusing on enhancing the capabilities and reach of FPOs.
Integration with Digital Commerce and Markets
The Agriculture Department has been directed to strengthen existing FPOs and ensure their swift integration with the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) and the electronic National Agriculture Market (e-NAM). This integration is expected to enhance market access and transparency for farmers.
Currently, 3,240 FPOs in Uttar Pradesh are operational under the Aatmanirbhar Krishak Samanvit Vikas Yojana and registered on the Shakti portal. The new cell will build on this foundation, promoting a transparent agricultural market and facilitating various input licensing processes, including those for fertilizers, seeds, and pesticides.
Comprehensive Action Plan for FPOs
A detailed action plan has been devised to fortify the operations of FPOs in line with Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s vision. This plan encompasses promoting FPOs, creating transparent market linkages, and ensuring compliance with various licensing requirements such as mandi licenses, GST licenses, and FSSAI licenses.
The integration with ONDC and e-NAM portals will further streamline market linkages, enabling FPOs to access a broader range of buyers and sellers.
Support and Monitoring
The farmer producer cell will also support FPOs in obtaining essential licenses, including equity grants, seed licenses, and fertilizer licenses. To encourage participation and track progress, the cell will organize regular meetings with government officials and prepare comprehensive progress reports. These reports will be monitored at different levels to ensure transparency and accountability.
The establishment of the Farmer Producer Cell is a strategic step towards empowering farmers in Uttar Pradesh, enhancing their market access, and ensuring the effective implementation of government schemes. This initiative underscores the state government’s commitment to transforming Uttar Pradesh into a leading agricultural hub in India.
