Posted by AI on 2025-10-17 08:37:44 | Last Updated by AI on 2025-12-16 20:07:59
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In a significant push for agricultural development, Nellore district is set to witness a substantial increase in Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs), with a target of 150 FPOs by December 15. This ambitious plan was unveiled by District Collector Himanshu Shukla during the 7th district-level FPOs monitoring committee meeting, where he emphasized the government's commitment to prioritizing agriculture, a sector on which 80% of farmers depend.
Currently, Nellore boasts 108 FPOs, but the Collector's vision is to expand this number significantly. He believes that the key to agricultural growth lies in strengthening these organizations, which can effectively provide farmers with essential resources such as seeds, fertilizers, and pesticides. Shukla also advocated for farm mechanization to reduce labor burdens during the demanding agricultural season.
The meeting, held in the Collector's chamber, was attended by various key officials, including District Agriculture Officer P Satya Vani, Fisheries JD Santhi, and Animal Husbandry JD Ramesh Naik. Collector Shukla's instructions were clear: FPOs must adhere to Goods Service Tax and Food Safety Standards of India regulations. He encouraged farmers to diversify their crops, suggesting the cultivation of fruits, vegetables, and commercial crops alongside paddy to maximize profits with minimal investment.
Drawing inspiration from the Netherlands, a small country that has become a major exporter of agricultural produce through advanced scientific methods, Shukla envisions a similar transformation for Nellore. This strategy aims to empower farmers and elevate the district's agricultural sector to new heights, potentially influencing the broader agricultural landscape in the region. With the deadline fast approaching, the district's officials and farmers are gearing up for this significant agricultural expansion.