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Time of India
11 minutes ago
- Business
- Time of India
Empowering smallholder farmers & marginal farmers through formation & promotion of FPOs
Dr. Prashant Prabhakar Deshpande has post-graduated in Economics with a Gold Medal in 1976 and was awarded a Ph.D in Social Sciences from Nagpur University in 2007. Introduction The Central Sector Scheme for Formation and Promotion of 10,000 Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 29th of February, 2020. The scheme was launched with a budget outlay of Rs 6,865 crore till 2027-28. Since the launch of the scheme, Rs 254.4 crore in equity grants have been released to 4,761 FPOs and credit guarantee cover worth Rs 453 cr has been issued to 1,900 FPOs. Recently, FPOs were in the spotlight as India reached a transformative milestone by establishing 10,000 Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs), ahead of the March 31, 2025, deadline, collectively bringing together nearly 30 lakh farmers across the country, 40% of whom are women. These FPOs are now conducting business worth thousands of crores of rupees, contributing immensely to the growth of the agricultural sector. On the occasion of the release of the 19th instalment of PM-KISAN in Bhagalpur, Bihar, the Prime Minister launched the 10,000th FPO, a milestone marking a significant leap in Farmer Welfare and inclusive agricultural development. The 10,000th FPO was registered in Khagaria district and focuses on maize, banana, and paddy. The concept behind the Farmer Producer Organisations Farmers who are the producers of agricultural products can form groups. To facilitate this process, the Small Farmers' Agribusiness Consortium (SFAC) was mandated by the department of agriculture and cooperation, ministry of agriculture, government of India, to support the state governments in the formation of FPOs. Objectives To provide a holistic and broad-based supportive ecosystem to form to facilitate the development of vibrant and sustainable income-oriented farming and overall socio-economic development and wellbeing of the agrarian communities. To enhance productivity through efficient, cost-effective, and sustainable resource use to realise higher returns through better liquidity and market linkages for their produce and become sustainable through collective action. To provide handholding and support to new FPOs up to five years from the year of their creation in all aspects of management of FPO, inputs, production, processing and value addition, market linkages, credit linkages, and use of technology etc. To provide effective capacity building to FPOs to develop agriculture entrepreneurship skills to become economically viable and self-sustaining beyond the period of support from the government. The Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) The FPOs are collectives formed by farmers to: Enhance productivity; Reduce costs, and; Improve market access through cooperation. The primary aim of an FPO is to enable farmers to benefit from the economies of scale, enhancing overall Farmer Welfare. The Small Farmers' Agribusiness Consortium (SFAC) under the Ministry of Agriculture plays a pivotal role in supporting the formation of the FPOs, which are registered under either: The Companies Act, or; The Co-operative Societies Act. Need for FPOs Small, marginal, and landless farmers face challenges during the agriculture production phase, such as: Access to technology; Quality seeds; Fertilisers and pesticides, and; Requisite finances. Challenges in marketing their produce due to a lack of economic strength. FPOs help in the collectivisation of such small, marginal, and landless farmers, giving them collective strength to deal with such issues. managing their activities together to get: Better access to technology; Inputs; Finance, and; Market for faster enhancement of their income. The way FPOs help Smallholder Farmers Achieving Economies of Scale FPOs help small and marginal farmers reduce input costs and secure better prices by aggregating purchases and sales. Enhanced Credit Access Access to institutional credit since long a barrier for smallholders, is improved through FPOs, aligning such support with ongoing government schemes for farmers aimed at financial inclusion. Accessing Global Markets FPOs enable smallholders to access international markets. Overcoming Shrinking Farm Sizes With average landholding size shrinking from 1.08 hectares in 2015–16 to just 0.74 hectares in 2021–22, FPOs help farmers aggregate resources and invest in modern equipment. This consolidation enables economies of scale: Allowing for bulk purchases; Shared services, and; Use of advanced machinery is improving productivity, a key enabler of agricultural sector growth. Supporting Value-Addition & Processing Through shared infrastructure like mini-mills and cold storage FPOs help farmers earn more by adding value to raw produce, strengthening Farmer Welfare through diversified income streams. Key Features of the Scheme Up to Rs 18 lakh financial aid over 3 years Matching equity grant of Rs 2,000 per farmer (max Rs 15 lakh) Credit Guarantee up to Rs 2 Crore in project loans Cluster-based handholding support for 5 years Challenges Faced by FPOs Many farmers joining FPOs have limited exposure to modern agricultural practices, quality standards, and market requirements. Most farmer-leaders lack formal training in business management, financial planning, human resources, and strategic planning. Most FPOs begin with minimal capital contributed by farmer members who themselves have limited financial resources, creating a precarious situation where the organisation struggles to invest in necessary infrastructure, working capital, or growth opportunities. Farmer members often expect immediate benefits from their FPO membership but are reluctant to make significant financial contributions. Traditional financial institutions often view these organisations as high-risk borrowers due to their agricultural focus, limited collateral, and perceived management weaknesses. Many FPOs lack the market intelligence necessary to make informed decisions about what to produce, when to sell, and at what prices, putting them at a disadvantage competing with established suppliers or negotiating with buyers. Epilogue By fostering collectivisation, enhancing market access, and providing financial and institutional support, the initiative has empowered millions of small and marginal farmers, including women and economically weaker sections, boosting agricultural productivity and income, contributing to rural job creation and economic resilience. As FPOs continue to evolve, they promise a more equitable and resilient future for India's agricultural landscape, it is opined. Critics however state that it is critical to move beyond numbers. They opine a target-oriented approach may work in the initial phase. As such, although reaching the target of 10,000 FPOs ahead of the March 31, 2025 deadline is commendable, there is now a need to focus on better outcomes. Facebook Twitter Linkedin Email Disclaimer Views expressed above are the author's own.
NZ Herald
12 minutes ago
- Sport
- NZ Herald
Horse racing: Top trainer explains what punters should look for on heavy tracks
'It is very satisfying and we have some nice horses for next season too.' For all Forsman's experience and ability he admits the chances of many of those he sends to Te Rapa and Ōtaki tomorrow come down to a factor the eye simply can't see. 'At this stage of the season what sort of heavy track you get and whether they can handle it dictates so much,' he explains. 'The difference between a Heavy 8 and a bottomless Heavy 10 is huge and once you get to the really heavy tracks, it is nearly impossible to know whether they will handle it or not. 'If they don't, they simply can't win.' Forsman says the best indicator he can come up with as to whether a horse will handle trench warfare-level tracks is strength and size. 'Those bigger and most importantly stronger horses tend to handle the really heavy tracks better, because it can be a battle of who is strongest. 'But it is still really hard to predict and a lot comes down to how heavy it is and whether there is rain on the day, or even the day before.' The best example of the winter unknowns for Forsman tomorrow is Force Of Nature (race six, No 7) at Te Rapa, who has come a long way in a short time but may even skip tomorrow's open 1300m if the weather deteriorates. 'He won here on a Heavy 8 last start but I'd prefer it to come back a point from the Heavy 10 it was today [Thursday],' Forsman said. 'He is a really nice horse who I think will get black type but we don't want to be running him on anything too heavy.' Saint Bathans (R5, No 1) is a one-time Rich Hill Mile runner-up who has shown only glimpses of that ability since, so Forsman has opted for a different approach tomorrow, putting him in an R75 with a carded 63.5kgs but dropping to 59.5kgs with apprentice Sam McNab aboard. 'We know the abiility is there but he hasn't been showing it,' Forsman said. 'We put blinkers on the last two runs but they didn't help so we are taking him back the track where he last went well [second three starts ago]. 'He is big enough to carry a decent weight but it is up to him now.' Forsman has two other reps wearing the No 1 saddlecloth early in the card, with Richard And I (R2) and Rio Grande (R3) both getting star jockey Michael McNab. 'They can both win but it comes down again to how they handle the track. But I do like Richard And I and think he will improve on last start.' Forsman also sends one-from-one filly Accentuate to Ōtaki for the $80,000 Ryder Stakes and an ideal opportunity to get black type and again says how deep the track ends up will be crucial. 'She was really good winning on debut at when it was pretty heavy so she should handle it,' he said. 'I really like her but it is a nice field with a couple of horses with a fair bit more experience than her. 'So a lot will depend how they all handle the track.' Michael Guerin wrote his first nationally published racing articles while still in school and started writing about horse racing and the gambling industry for the Herald as a 20-year-old in 1990. He became the Herald's Racing Editor in 1995 and covers the world's biggest horse racing carnivals.
News18
3 hours ago
- Entertainment
- News18
Saiyaara Title Track Hits Global Spotify Charts; Faheem, Arslan & Tanishk Urge Fans To Make It No. 1
With Saiyaara's title track entering the Spotify Global Top 10, creators Faheem Abdullah, Arslan Nizami, and Tanishk Bagchi urge fans to stream the song to No. 1. As Saiyaara continues its historic run at the box office, the film's title track is scripting a musical success story of its own. Sung by Faheem Abdullah and composed by Faheem, Arslan Nizami, and Tanishk Bagchi, the Saiyaara title track has not only captured hearts but also stormed its way into the Top 10 on Spotify's Global Chart, currently sitting at the fifth spot. Now, riding the wave of global acclaim, the trio behind the beloved anthem is making a heartfelt request to fans across the world — help the song reach No. 1 on Spotify. Composer Arslan Nizami echoed Faheem's sentiment, encouraging fans to come together for a cause bigger than just a chart placement, 'Let's make Saiyaara the No. 1 song in the world on Spotify! Imagine the title track of Saiyaara reaching hearts all over the world. How beautiful would that be? It would be a proud moment for all of us. Let's come together and make it happen." Adding to the emotional rally cry, music producer Tanishk Bagchi emphasized the movement's larger impact, 'Let's come together and make history. Let's make Indian music No. 1 in the world. The Saiyaara title track is not just a song, it's a movement. If this breaks records, it will change everything — putting our sound, our soul, and our language on the global map where it truly belongs. Let's prove that Indian music is not just beautiful — it's unbeatable. This is our time. Let's rise." Earlier, actress Ananya Panday also took to social media to ask fans to stream the song and help it climb to the top, calling the track 'emotionally stirring and timeless." Directed by Mohit Suri and produced by Yash Raj Films, Saiyaara has emerged as a cultural phenomenon, collecting ₹155.75 crore nett in India within just six days of release. The film has turned debutants Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda into national sweethearts and the soundtrack into an anthem of love and longing. With the title track now on the cusp of making global history, the Saiyaara trio's heartfelt appeal might just be the final push it needs to reign supreme on the world stage. First Published: July 24, 2025, 19:15 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
ILoveQatar.net
2 days ago
- Health
- ILoveQatar.net
Tawar Mall launches 10,000 Steps Challenge with Qatar Sports For All Federation
Tawar Mall Launches '10,000 Steps Challenge' with Qatar Sports for All. An exciting initiative open to all. A fun and easy way to stay active while enjoying your visit to the mall! This initiative is part part of QSFA's mission to promote health and fitness in the community by encouraging movement in our daily routine. Rewards & Motivation: Participants with the highest steps can win exciting rewards in recognition of their commitment to health and wellness. 'By partnering with QSFA and launching this challenge, Tawar Mall reinforces its commitment to promoting wellness and community spirit.' How to Join: Download the QSFA mobile app (iOS/Android) Select Tawar Mall as your active location Walk inside the mall—let the app track your steps The challenge is running until 31 August 31 — join today and take your steps toward better health.
NZ Herald
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- NZ Herald
Real Life: Fraser Grut on 10,000 Dreams project and bouncing back from rock bottom
From the outside, though, it still looked like Grut was thriving. His 10,000 Dreams series, in which he posts one video a day of himself asking one person what their dream is, was still going several years in and had earned him tens of thousands of fans on social media. The series itself had attracted some impressive names, with the likes of Hollywood couple Ashton Kutcher and Mila Kunis, Bear Grylls, Wimbledon winner Jannik Sinner, the Irwin family, and Elmo from Sesame Street all featuring over the years. But Grut's goal to make it as a film-maker – the same dream he'd had since the age of 7 – was not happening, no matter how much he hustled. 'That was my dream my whole life, up until maybe 22 or 23. I dedicated everything to that goal,' Grut told Real Life. 'I made a feature film when I graduated from film school at 19, funded by family and friends, and I was like, 'I'm going to win an Oscar, I'm going to be the youngest Oscar winner of all time'. Then the film bombed and my parents had to mortgage their house.' A few years later, he told Cowan, Grut hit 'rock bottom'. He all but gave up on his film-making dream and his marriage to the person he had been with since he was 13 ended. 'I hit the point of going, 'You know what? Screw this… I'm done chasing my dream, I'm giving over to you [God]. Now you take the wheel. This ain't working. I'm all in to whatever the heck you want me to do with my life.'' That moment, which the committed Christian describes as making an 'all-in contract' with God, came just a month before the opportunity that would ultimately launch his film career – co-producing Hot Potato, an Amazon Prime documentary about The Wiggles. 'I look back on my life and all the tough times, the rough things I've gone through, and I'm so grateful because it's made me who I am today, really,' he said. 'I hate to name-drop, but when I was filming Ashton Kutcher's dream, I told him about my Peter Jackson dream and he said to me, 'Fraser, you'll only ever be the second-best Peter Jackson, but you could be the best Fraser on the planet'. 'When he said it to me it hit really hard. It just hits different when someone you look up to says something like that. I think that was the moment I started to embrace Fraser and I was like, 'wait, I just want to be the best me'.' Grut told Real Life it's been a long journey to make peace with the fact he may never emulate his hero Jackson. After wrestling with it for most of his 20s, the 31-year-old thinks he's finally been able to let go of that goal. 'I still want to make feature films and everything, but ultimately the dream now is to be the best version of myself [and understand] that God's made me with unique giftings,' he said. 'I look back on my life and all the tough times and rough things I've gone through I'm so grateful for because it's made me who I am today. 'It shaped me, it made me stronger in my faith, and it humbled me big-time. I had a huge ego when I was younger – a huge ego, my goodness. I've been humbled multiple times in my life, and I'm so grateful for it.' Grut says creating the 10,000 Dreams videos is him 'being the most authentic version of myself', but admits that when it started in 2016 he never envisaged that it would end up being what he would commit his life to. 'It started nine years ago as a bet made in Titirangi, Auckland. The plan was for one year, one dream every single day – it was called 365 Dreams,' he told Real Life. 'About 200 dreams in, I think God worked on my heart a little bit and I kind of started to realise maybe this is the thing I was born to do, and so I changed it to 10,000 Dreams because I thought it sounded cool.' Fair to say, Grut hadn't done the maths. Filming and posting 10,000 dreams would take at least 27 years and four months to accomplish. Now nine years and 2247 dreams in, Grut says it has become easier to get high-profile people to feature in the series. He says about 500 have been celebrities. 'Terry Crews, Israel Adesanya, Richie McCaw – there's been so many and it's been ridiculous, man. I don't know how it happens. [It's] the power of shooting your shot – most of them were cold emails.' That said, the rejections still keep piling up: 'I still get rejected every day by multiple people. You just get used to the no's, and the no's don't scare me off anymore.' Grut says the project has made him an advocate for people pursuing their dream, no matter how humble or lofty it may seem. 'I believe every single person on the planet has a unique dream that is catered to them. 'That doesn't have to be 'I want to change the world' or 'I want to be president'. Your dream could just be 'I want to be a great dad', 'I want to have a home', 'I want to just have a job' – that's an amazing dream. 'I think it took me a long time to realise that. I think maybe the first half of this journey, I was all about the crazy dreams give me the juice, like 'you want to win a Grammy', 'you want to win an Oscar'. 'And now I'm like no, all dreams are just as important and just as special.' Real Life is a weekly interview show where John Cowan speaks with prominent guests about their life, upbringing, and the way they see the world. Tune in Sundays from 7.30pm on Newstalk ZB or listen to the latest full interview here. Sign up to The Daily H, a free newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
