FPO Momentum: Over 5.2 Million Farmers Empowered, Says Shivraj Singh Chouhan

Image Source : India Today

Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan revealed that over 5.2 million farmers are now part of 1,100+ FPOs, boosting income and productivity. With a combined turnover exceeding ₹15,000 crore, these organizations are transforming rural livelihoods. The government aims to expand FPO coverage and position India as a global agricultural leader.

Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has announced a major milestone in India’s rural transformation: more than 5.2 million farmers are now linked to Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs), significantly enhancing their income, productivity, and market access. Chouhan emphasized that FPOs are reshaping the agricultural landscape by empowering small and marginal farmers with collective strength and institutional support.

Progress Highlights

Over 1,100 FPOs have been established across the country, connecting 52 lakh farmers under structured, cooperative models.
These FPOs have collectively generated a turnover exceeding ₹15,000 crore, reflecting their growing economic impact.
Farmers associated with FPOs are securing better prices, reducing dependence on middlemen, and accessing modern inputs and credit facilities.
The initiative aligns with the government’s vision to position India as the “food basket of the world.”

Policy Drivers

Chouhan credited schemes like the Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana and Dalhan Aatmanirbhar Mission for accelerating FPO adoption. These programs aim to boost self-reliance in pulses and cereals, improve food security, and promote sustainable farming practices. He also highlighted the role of digital platforms and agri-tech solutions in expanding FPO reach and efficiency.

Farmer-Centric Impact

By aggregating smallholders into collective entities, FPOs enhance bargaining power, streamline logistics, and enable access to institutional finance. Chouhan noted that farmers are now more confident in negotiating with buyers, adopting new technologies, and exploring export opportunities. The model is proving especially beneficial in remote and underserved regions.

Vision Ahead

The minister expressed confidence that India’s agricultural sector is entering a new era of innovation and collaboration. He reiterated the government’s commitment to scaling up the FPO framework, integrating it with digital infrastructure, and ensuring that millions more farmers benefit from structured market linkages and policy support.

Sources: IANS, Sakshi Post, The Hindu, Indian Community

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