Rs 100 crore allotted for collective farming

The project was accorded administrative and financial sanction recently with an allotment of Rs 100 crore in the current fiscal year. More than 92 per cent of the state’s 81.88 lakh farmers fall under this category. 

Farmers interest groups (FIG) would be formed with 20 farmers having land in one area in a village. A farmer can join the FIG by paying a minimum of Rs 500 per head. A combine of 5 FIGs, which would comprise around 100 members, will form a FPG (Farmer Producer Group). As per the collective farming plan, each FPG will be provided with Rs 5 lakh by the state government, that will be used for various farming activities, including drip irrigation, PVC channel pipes in addition to tractors and power tillers for common use. 

The groups can approach the block level agricultural or horticultural officer for advice on best agricultural/horticultural practices, seed and fertiliser selection and the latest technology for increased production and improved profits, the release added. 

A total of ten nearby FPGs will be integrated to form a Farmer Producer Organisation (FPO) which will be assisted to get loans from NABARD (National Bank for Agricultural and Rural Development) and the Small Farmer Agri Business Consortium. It is anticipated that in five years a total of 40 lakhs small and marginal farmers will be integrated through this project.