The West Bengal Panchayat and Rural Development department on Friday said it is planning to set up a dedicated marketing board for capacity building of self-help groups and farmer producer organizations (FPOs).
A senior official of the department stressed its keenness to work towards rural development, especially for thriving FPOs and SHGs, to promote the state’s livelihood missions and women empowerment initiatives.
Addressing ‘Krishi Sanlap 2024’ organized by the Bengal Chamber of Commerce and Industry, P Ulaganathan, Secretary, Panchayat and Rural Development Department, said, “We are planning to set up a dedicated marketing board for capacity building of FPOs and SHGs ” (BCCI).
He highlighted product development in line with market demand and âmarketing hand-holdingâ as the keys to the success of FPOs and SHGs.
Ulaganathan also spoke in favor of closer collaboration with partners like PRADAN and BCCI to explore ways of promoting and developing more sustainable FPOs and SHGs.
He said that currently 40 percent FPOs are active and the government is aiming to increase the number to accelerate rural development.
A memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed between the West Bengal State Rural Livelihood Mission (WBSRLM) and e-commerce marketplace Flipkart in December 2022 under his department.
The partnership aims to empower women SHGs, artisans and weavers in the state by facilitating access to the national market and promoting sustainable economic growth.
‘Flipkart Samarth’ and WBSRLM to encourage entrepreneurship among SHGs, provide them support to engage on the online marketplace and provide assistance in developing the skills required to leverage the digital platform for new business and trade opportunities Will cooperate.
(TagstoTranslate)West Bengal(T)Department of Panchayat and Rural Development(T)Marketing Board(T)Self-Help Groups(T)Farmer Producer Organization(T)FPO(T)Capacity Building(T)Rural Development(T)Livelihood Mission ( t)Women Empowerment
