FOCUS Nagaland organized a program for the release of grant-in-aid to 16 FPOs supported by the FOCUS project on June 28, 2024, at the Secretariat conference hall in Kohima, Nagaland. The event was chaired by Hraveine David, Manager of Gender & Community Institutions at FOCUS-Nagaland.
Advisor for Agriculture, Mhathung Yanthan, graced the occasion as the Guest of Honour. In his address, he acknowledged FOCUS for its initiative in providing financial assistance to FPOs and encouraged the attending FPOs to leverage this opportunity to reach larger markets and achieve economic gains collectively. He cautioned against forming FPOs merely for the sake of existence and urged the farmers to strive to become high-performing FPOs, which he believes will significantly transform the market and business landscape of the state. Yanthan concluded his speech by encouraging continued collaboration among the farmers to create a space for sharing knowledge and experiences.
Earlier, State Project Director Shanavas C, IAS, delivered the welcome address. He briefed the farmers on the purpose and objectives of forming FPOs, urging them to become efficient service providers to help farmers access larger markets. Shanavas encouraged the FPOs to promote fellow farmers’ businesses through value chain development and to support youth farmers. He also emphasized the importance of utilizing the grant-in-aid and seed funds to diversify and expand their business operations.