Longleng DMC deliberates on formation, promotion of FPOs

DIMAPUR — Longleng District Monitoring Committee (DMC) meeting on ‘Central Sector Scheme for formation and promotion of 10000 FPOs’ was held on May 12 at Deputy Commissioner office, Longleng.

According to a DIPR report, DC Longleng, Dharam Raj, briefed the house on the objective of the meeting.

Project Head, Bhaskar Parnt briefed the house that M/s Doric Multimedia Pvt. Ltd has been assigned one FPO each in Longleng block, Tamlu block, and Sakshi block. Doric Multimedia Pvt. Ltd will be providing technical support to these FPOs.

Considering the hilly nature of the areas it was emphasised that a minimum of 100 farmers should be enrolled per FPO to ensure viability and effectiveness.

Parnt also told the house that each FPO shall have a board of directors consisting of ten members, including a chief executive officer (CEO) and an accountant.

The FPOs shall be registered under the Producer Company Act. The District Monitoring Committee acknowledged the importance of competent leadership and financial management for the success of FPO.

The committee also discussed the primary and secondary crops to be taken up by each FPO. It was agreed that Longleng block will focus on ginger cultivation, Tamlu block on coffee production and Sakshi block on maize and mustard cultivation.

Additionally, the committee recognised the potential of other secondary crops which could complement the primary crops.

The committee also acknowledged the commendable ginger cultivation being carried out by a group of approximately 40 households in Hukphang and Lingtak. It was recommended that this group be converted into an FPO, recognising their expertise and potential for further development.

Further, the committee deliberated on the challenges faced in the district, including the lack of processing units, cold storage facilities, and logistical issues. However, it expressed optimism that Doric Multimedia Pvt. Ltd will play a vital role in addressing these challenges and bridging the existing gaps through their technical support.

The committee agreed that the District Agriculture office should collaborate with Doric Multimedia Pvt. Ltd to identify the primary and secondary crops for each FPO. These crops will be finalised in the upcoming meeting.

“The meeting concluded with a sense of purpose and determination to promote sustainable agricultural practices and enhance the socio-economic condition of the farmers in Longleng district,” the report stated.