Tirupati: District Collector Dr S Venkateswar inaugurated a Digital Training Centre set up by Agriculture Department to help farmers and agriculture officials make better use of modern technology. At a programme held at the Collectorate on Wednesday, he said that digital technology could improve the delivery of services to farmers and make agricultural extension activities more effective.
The training centre would play an important role in creating awareness among farmers about modern farming practices and government schemes. The facility could also be used by other departments related to agriculture.
Later, during a review meeting with Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) in the district, the Collector said their progress was not satisfactory. Farmers could increase their income by 10 to 15 per cent by adding value to locally grown produce through proper branding and marketing.
The Collector said Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) certification would help agricultural products secure better prices in national and international markets.
He called upon the Agriculture Department and its allied departments to work together for the growth of FPOs and expressed hope that over the next 10 years, every farmer in the district would become a member of an FPO and benefit from collective development.
District Agriculture Officer S Prasad Rao said the district has 38 FPOs supported by 15 Cluster-Based Business Organisations (CBBOs). Common Hiring Centres (CHCs), Kisan Drones, oil mills and licences for seeds, fertilisers and pesticides would be provided to eligible FPOs.
FPOs having fertiliser licences were directed to actively take up fertiliser business. CBBOs have to provide guidance, technical support and necessary advice to strengthen the financial position of the FPOs under their jurisdiction.
