Q. Consider the following statements regarding the Farmer Producer Organization (FPO):
1. Farmers, Local representatives and other interested parties are the shareholders of FPO.
2. NABARD has dedicated funds to promote FPOs.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

[A] 1 only

[B] 2 only

[C] Both 1 and 2

[D] Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: B
Notes:

An FPO, formed by a group of farm producers, is a registered body with producers as shareholders in the organization.  

  • It deals with business activities related to the farm produce and it works for the benefit of the member producers.  
  • Small Farmers’ Agribusiness Consortium (SFAC) is providing support for promotion of FPOs.  
  • NABARD has dedicated Funds like Producer Organisation Development Fund (PODF) and PRODUCE for promotion of FPOs.  
  • Financing FPOs through NABARD’s subsidiary NABKISAN Finance Ltd., digitisation of FPO data, development of performance measurement tool, etc. have also contributed to the ongoing efforts.  
  • Besides, NABARD is running an awareness campaign on the role of FPOs in building resilience against climate change, increase in productivity and optimal efficiency in the agri value chain. 

Source: NABARD