Srinagar, Nov 30: The month-long Training of Trainers (ToT) program for Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), organised by Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K) and Agriculture Department in collaboration with the National Institute of Agricultural Extension Management (MANAGE), Hyderabad, concluded successfully, marking a major milestone in capacity building for agricultural transformation in Jammu and Kashmir.
The program brought together some of India’s foremost agricultural business experts to train nearly 300 resource persons in eight batches. Designed under SKUAST-K’s HADP Project 20: Innovative Approaches for Promoting Agriculture in J&K, the initiative aimed to strengthen farmer organizations such as FPOs, Self-Help Groups (SHGs), Common Interest Groups (CIGs), and Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS). The program covered topics like FPO formation, business planning, supply chain management, and market linkages.
The valedictory session, held at SKUAST-K’s Shalimar Campus, was attended by Director Agriculture Kashmir, Chowdhary Mohammad Iqbal, who commended the university’s efforts in empowering trainers to lead grassroots-level transformation. He encouraged the participants to utilize their skills to create resilient and sustainable farmer organizations, emphasizing the need for market-oriented and collective farming practices.
Vice-Chancellor SKUAST-K, Prof Nazir Ahmad Ganai, who actively monitored the program, in his message stressed the importance of FPOs in transitioning J&K from subsistence farming to sustainable commercial agriculture. Drawing comparisons with advanced economies, he highlighted the urgent need to increase agricultural processing, which currently stands at just 2% in the region.
Prof Masood Saleem Mir, Associate Director Research and Principal Investigator of the HADP Innovative Extension Project, elaborated on the program’s objectives and logistics. “This training was designed to address the unique challenges faced by farmer organizations in J&K. By equipping participants with technical, managerial, and entrepreneurial skills, we aim to create a ripple effect where these trainers will mentor and guide farmers across the region,” he said. Prof Mir further highlighted the strategic collaboration with MANAGE Hyderabad and the Agriculture Production Department, which ensured the program’s success.
“Our aim is not just to train individuals but to build a system where farmers can access consistent support and practical solutions for their challenges. The comprehensive curriculum, covering everything from FPO formation to business sustainability, is tailored to meet the region’s specific needs,” Prof. Mir added.
The training, facilitated by MANAGE Hyderabad, featured country’s top expert in FPO formation, business planning and supply chain management. These experts provided strategic insights into FPO management, business sustainability, and innovative mobilization techniques, ensuring practical outcomes for the participants.
Participants praised the program for its practical orientation, stating that it had demystified the complexities of building successful FPOs. Many called for follow-up sessions focused on developing tailored, commodity-based business plans to enhance FPO effectiveness.
This initiative aligns with SKUAST-K’s vision to make J&K a model bioeconomy in the country, fostering a resilient and sustainable agricultural landscape. The university plans to replicate the program in the Jammu division, further extending its impact.
