HT Bureau
DIPHU, March 5: In a strategic move to bolster the local agricultural economy, Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) Karbi Anglong organised a comprehensive awareness and mobilisation programme on Thursday for the Kuleng Valley Farmer Producer Company Limited (FPC) at the Umswai Cultural Hall.
The event served as a critical platform for addressing the logistical hurdles faced by rural producers and outlining the financial roadmap for the FPC’s future.
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The programme commenced with a welcome address by Dr Monuj Kumar Doley, Senior Scientist & Head of KVK. Dr Doley highlighted that the success of the Kuleng Valley FPC relies entirely on the collective strength of its members.
“There is an urgent need to strengthen the FPC structure,” Dr Doley stated, urging farmers to transition from individual farming to a more active, collaborative participation within the company to achieve better bargaining power.
Attending as a special guest, K Vaiphei, District Development Manager of NABARD, provided expert insights into the institutional framework of Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs). He detailed the various financial support schemes available through NABARD, emphasising that institutional strengthening is the first step toward securing credit and ensuring long-term sustainability.
Voices from the Field
Local entrepreneurs Edmund Timung and Goldeep Timung shared their personal journeys, offering practical advice on navigating the challenges of agri-entrepreneurship in the region.
However, the interactive session revealed several systemic “pain points” that continue to hinder local progress. Farmers collectively identified four major barriers like: A lack of nearby banking facilities makes daily transactions difficult; the long distance to primary markets erodes profit margins; the total absence of storage facilities in the vicinity and the lack of a regulated market in the area, leaving farmers vulnerable to price fluctuations.
The programme concluded with a commitment from KVK officials to document these grievances and work alongside NABARD to bridge the infrastructure gap for the Kuleng Valley community.
