Overview of farmer producer organistions in Dharmapuri district-case study approach

Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Dharmapuri was established on 21 st December 2006 and is located at Papparapatty of Pennagaram taluk. Water shortage, labour scarcity, lack of knowledge on INM and IPM and poor market avenue are the problems faced by the farmers in engaging agricultural profession.KVK intervenes above issues, introduced of new varieties and technologies, upgraded farmers skill through hands on training. The concept of FPOs gaining momentum in the recent years in Dharmapuri district and at present there are 27 FPOs being promoted by Department of Agricultural Marketing and Agribusiness and NABARD. Technical support is being provided by KVK, Dharmapuri. Dharmapuri district is developing as a vegetable bowl of Tamilnadu with area and productivity of vegetables increasing, since the introduction of Precision farming. Tomato, Chillies, brinjal and gourds are the major vegetables cultivated in Dharmapuri district. Hence a Farmer Producer Organisation for separately vegetables is in pipeline. Convincing the farmers is the major problem experienced by the FPO, Collection of share capital, Gaining confidence of farmers and Maintaining group cohesiveness are the major problems faced by FPOs. For strengthening of FPOs, training on value addition on all major crops, facilitating market tie up for their products, technology tie up with foreign countries and guidance on seeking financial support for Promotion of FPOs are needed.