National Bank for Agricultural and Rural Development (Nabard) has set a target to form and support 200 Producer Organisations (POs) in next 2 to 3 years in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana States, according to bank Chief General Manager Jiji Mammen.
Speaking to The Hindu , Mr. Mammen said the Central government had set a target of forming 2,000 POs across the country. At least 10 per cent of this would have to be achieved in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. In Andhra Pradesh alone, 120-130 POs were expected to be formed, he said. The Central government had set aside Rs. 200 crore for the POs. The POs would be eligible to get direct credit along with grant support, he said adding the funding depends on their requirement and functioning. In fact, the concept of POs was started 3 years ago.
In Telangana, the Nabard had supported a PO in Medak and another in Karimnagar. Anushka Milk Producers Organisation (Medak in Telangana) and Karimnagar Milk Producers Organisation (Telangana) were few examples of success of POs.
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More than 10 POs were formed in the combined Andhra Pradesh so far, he said, adding it is a comprehensive support across three levels - credit, capacity building and market linkage. The PO concept would empower and give the farmers the crucial hold on pricing decisions. Professional functioning would be a key factor when the organisations are assessed for support by Nabard.