West Bengal Panchayat department plans to set up marketing board for SHGs, FPOs
Panchayat department is planning to create a marketing board dedicated to SHGs and FPOs in the Panchayat Department.
“We are going to make a marketing Board separately dedicated to SHGs and FPOs in the Panchayat Department. Market linkages, capacity building, livelihood opportunities and research will be looked into by the Board. We are forwarding the proposals to the state government,” P Ulaganathan, Secretary in West Bengal Panchayat & Rural Development Department.
“We have chosen 150 women from Self-Help Groups and IIM Kolkata are training them. We are funding them. Earlier their income was Rs 10-12,000 but it has touched Rs 10 lakhs now. Their products are available in New Delhi and Mumbai. It has happened with the help of IIM-Joka,” Ulganathan said, adding “We are doing entrepreneurship programmes in the state”.
“In the entire country, the work of these 150 SHGs have been appreciated. We will give a big presentation in front of the Central government. The number of Lakhpati Didis will be highest in Bengal,” he said.
“We have seen 30-40% Farmers Producers Organization Self (FPOs) are working very well while another 60% are defunct. The Bengal Chamber of Commerce & Industry is also working on the FPOs. So, we will discuss with various forums and see how these FPOs can be taken forward. How their products can be sold and how market linkages can be created,” the senior IAS said.
Krishi Sanlaap 2024, a joint initiative of The Bengal Chambers of Commerce and Industry and PRADAN, a leading NGO working for the
