Agriculture Ministry Constitutes High-Level Committee to Strengthen FPOs in Tamil Nadu: Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan

**Executive Summary** The Ministry of Agriculture has formed a high-level committee to strengthen Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) in Tamil Nadu, following Union Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan's visit to Erode. The committee will review the governance, market linkages, and value addition of FPOs. The committee is mandated to submit its report within two months, with ICAR-NRCB providing institutional support. **Key Points / Main Content** * **Committee Formation and Purpose:** * A high-level committee has been constituted to review the functioning of FPOs in Tamil Nadu and recommend improvements to scale and reach. * The committee will examine key issues affecting FPOs, including governance, management practices, business operations, sustainability, technical support, market challenges, and capacity building. * **Committee Composition:** * The committee comprises representatives from NABARD, NAFED, SFAC-Tamil Nadu, ICAR-NRCB, FPO representatives, NGOs, and officials from the Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare. * **Committee Responsibilities:** * Recommend measures to strengthen FPO operations through improved business models, technical support, institutional coordination, and market linkages. * Focus on crops and systems of importance to Tamil Nadu, including banana, turmeric, coconut, and tapioca. * Undertake field visits and consultations with FPOs, farmers, market channels, and other stakeholders. * Collect inputs from government departments, ICAR institutes, commodity boards, and private sector agencies. * **Reporting and Support:** * The committee is mandated to submit its final report to the Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare within two months. * ICAR-NRCB will act as the host institution and provide logistical and secretarial support. **Impact Analysis** **Stakeholder:** Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) in Tamil Nadu **Impact:** FPOs will be subject to review and potential operational changes based on the committee's findings and recommendations. They will benefit from proposed improvements in business models, technical support, market linkages, and capacity building. **Action Required:** FPOs need to cooperate with the committee by participating in consultations, providing necessary data, and implementing any recommended corrective measures. **Stakeholder:** Farmers in Tamil Nadu **Impact:** Farmers will potentially benefit from stronger, self-reliant, and sustainable FPOs, leading to enhanced income, value addition, and market integration. **Action Required:** Farmers may be required to participate in consultations with the committee to provide feedback and insights on the challenges and opportunities related to FPOs. **Stakeholder:** Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare **Impact:** The Department will receive a report with recommendations for strengthening FPOs in Tamil Nadu, which will inform future policies and interventions. **Action Required:** The Department will need to review the committee's report and implement appropriate measures to address the identified issues and enhance the performance of FPOs. **Stakeholder:** ICAR-National Research Centre for Banana (NRCB) **Impact:** NRCB will play a crucial role in providing institutional support to the committee, including logistical and secretarial assistance. **Action Required:** NRCB is required to act as the host institution, organize meetings, facilitate field visits, and compile the committee's report.

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