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Centre of Excellence for FPOs

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Centre of Excellence for FPOs

A Centre of Excellence (CoE) on Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) is proposed as a strategic initiative to empower farmers and enhance their income through collective action and improved market access. FPOs play a crucial role in agricultural development by organizing small and marginal farmers into cohesive groups, providing them with a platform to access resources, technology, and markets efficiently. The Centre of Excellence on FPOs will serve as a catalyst for transforming agriculture by promoting inclusive and sustainable development. By building the capacity of FPOs and fostering an enabling ecosystem, the CoE aims to empower farmers, promote rural prosperity, and contribute to food security and economic growth.

Objectives:
  • To strengthen the core competency of FPOs through capacity building measures across the state.
  • To develop a web portal along with a mobile application for easy access to crops and market related information.
  • To formulate supportive policies and act as a research and knowledge hub for FPOs in the state.
Project Methodology:

We will employ a combination of qualitative and quantitative techniques to gather pertinent information from Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) across all 30 districts. Blocks within these districts will be chosen based on the operational areas of the KVKs. Specifically, two FPOs per district will be purposefully selected based on their existing presence.

The FPOs will be encouraged to adopt cost-effective methods aimed at enhancing the value of agricultural commodities they deal with. To support this, a training manual will be developed to encompass best practices for various crops and vegetables, tailored to the specific needs of the FPOs. This manual will cover operational and functional aspects essential for the FPOs' growth and effectiveness.

The proposed project will be implemented statewide in Odisha, with district selection based on consultation and approval from key stakeholders such as the CDAO, DDH, CDVO, DFO, DDM, NABARD etc. These selections will consider factors like the concentration of agricultural crops and production in each district. Initially, the project will focus on two FPOs in each district to ensure a manageable and impactful rollout.

The project will envisage the key activities during 5 years tenure of project period in the all the 30 districts. The details of the project activities are stated below:

a. Capacity building:

    Centre of Excellence (CoE) for FPOs will employ various approaches and strategies for capacity building which are detailed below:

  • Training Programmes, Technical Workshops and Skill Development, Exposure Visits, Mentoring and Coaching, Production of Learning Resources and Materials and follow Participatory Approaches.
b. Knowledge Dissemination:

    As far as knowledge dissemination is concerned, CoE will undertake different activities listed below:

  • Collection of Information, Report Preparation, Compilation of Case Studies, Preparation of Guidelines and Manuals etc.
c. Technical Assistance:

    Technical backstopping by a Centre of Excellence (CoE) on Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) involves providing ongoing support and guidance to FPOs in their operational activities. Here's how a CoE may offer technical backstopping to FPOs through:

  • Remote Assistance, On-Site Visits, Training and Workshops, Documentation and Guidelines preparation, Peer Learning and Exchange.
d. Networking & Collaborations:

    A Centre of Excellence (CoE) on Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) will actively engage in networking and collaboration to foster learning, exchange experiences, and promote cooperation among various stakeholders. Here's how a CoE typically engages in networking and collaboration:

  • Partnering with Stakeholders, Advocacy and Policy Engagement, Knowledge Exchange and Resource Sharing, Collaborative Projects and Initiatives etc.
e. Computer based Information System:

    Centre of Excellence (CoE) focused on Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) can contribute to the development and implementation of a Computer-Based Information System to enhance the operational efficiency and decision-making processes of FPOs.

  • Website/Portal: A website which will be developed, will serve as an information hub, providing comprehensive and up-to-date information about the CoE, its objectives, activities, and services.
  • Mobile app: The mobile app can serve as a platform for FPOs to showcase their products, access market information, and engage in trading activities.
f. Monitoring & Evaluations:

    Centre of Excellence (CoE) focused on Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) will play a vital role in monitoring and evaluation to assess the performance, impact, and effectiveness of FPOs. Here are some ways in which can contribute to monitoring and evaluation efforts:

  • Development of Monitoring and Evaluation Frameworks, Data Collection and Analysis, Impact Assessment, Performance Evaluation, Feedback and Recommendations, Policy Development etc.