KHORDHA (ODISHA), DECEMBER 25, 2024: Dr A K Sood, Deputy Managing Director, NABARD, visited the Paschimeswar Farmer Producer Company Limited in Khordha district of Odisha state, to inaugurate Solar Energy-Based Millet and Oil Processing Units managed by the Farmer Producer Organization (FPO).
The units were established under the Farm Sector Promotion Fund (FSPF) project titled “Enhancing livelihoods of small and marginal farmers through decentralized renewable energy-based agri-value chain under FPO Federation in Odisha.
The millet processing unit is equipped with advanced machineries like Destoner-cum-Grader, Huller, Polisher, Pulveriser, and a solar system capable of processing 150–170 kg/hour. He also inaugurated an oil processing unit with solar energy to extract oil from crops such as mustard and groundnut.
Dr. Sood interacted with the CEO and Board of Directors (BoD) of the FPO, emphasizing the need for better branding and packaging strategies to enhance market reach. Dr. Sood also engaged with members of five other Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) in Khordha district. He encouraged them to maximize transactions through the FPO platform, leverage economies of scale and access diverse marketing opportunities.
The event was attended by Dr S K K Mishra, CGM, NABARD Odisha RO, Senior officials of NABARD, Board of Directors and CEOs of FPOs, Representatives from Selco Foundation, District Development Manager (Khordha) and Staff of FPO-promoting NGOs.
This initiative highlights NABARD’s commitment to sustainable rural development and renewable energy adoption for strengthening agri-value chains and empowering small and marginal farmers.
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