Speaking on the occasion the Director emphasized the intrinsic importance of FPOs to the horticultural community of Akhnoor and its neighbouring villages. He underscored their pivotal role in empowering farmers, fostering collective action, and amplifying voices within the agricultural landscape. Highlighting the critical role of FPOs in enabling smallholder farmers to access resources, markets and knowledge, Director Sharma commended the proactive efforts of FPO members. He reiterated the Department's steadfast commitment to supporting and strengthening grassroots initiatives.
Director Sharma's address resonated deeply with attendees, igniting a sense of purpose and unity among the farming community. His insights into the transformative potential of FPOs sparked engaging discussions and inspired participants to explore new avenues for collaboration and growth. The interaction programme not only served as a platform for knowledge exchange but also as a catalyst for fostering solidarity and camaraderie among farmers. It underscored the Department's dedication to nurturing inclusive and sustainable agricultural practices that benefit communities at large.
Later in the program, Chief Horticulture Officer Jammu, Ashwani Sharma, DLSMS Pomology Sandeep Gupta, MCC Uttam Lal, HDO Akhnoor Virender Kumar and HDO Khour,Amit Saraf also interacted with participants, further enriching the exchange of ideas and experiences.