NEW DELHI: CSC e-Governance Services India Ltd has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative Ltd (IFFCO) to provide essential agricultural inputs to all farmer producer organizations (FPOs) including 10,000 FPOs under Central Sector Scheme. The MoU was signed in the presence of Sanjay Rakesh, Managing Director and CEO of CSC SPV, and Yogendra Kumar, Marketing Director of IFFCO.
The Government of India’s Central Sector Scheme for “Formation and Promotion of 10,000 Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs),” launched in 2020, aims to strengthen farmers, reduce production costs, and enhance incomes through the aggregation of agricultural produce. Under this scheme, FPOs are being empowered as Common Services Centres (CSCs) for sustainability and financial viability, generating employment opportunities and contributing to rural development, according to an official release on Thursday.
The MoU will enable these FPOs to access vital agricultural inputs such as fertilizers, seeds, and agrochemicals provided by IFFCO. This collaboration is expected to boost farmers’ productivity and foster sustainable agricultural practices across the country, it said.
Speaking on the occasion, Sanjay Rakesh stated, “It is a matter of immense pleasure that FPOs will be supported with essential agricultural inputs through IFFCO. This initiative will allow more small and marginal farmers associated with FPOs to benefit from the comprehensive services of CSC and IFFCO, thereby giving a new dimension to rural development and digital empowerment in the country. We anticipate a significant increase in agriculture-related services provided by CSCs.”
CSC SPV has consistently worked to improve the lives of rural citizens through various initiatives, with a special focus on farmers and agriculture. Through its extensive network of CSCs in remote areas, it already provides services such as Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY), teleconsultation, crop insurance, e-veterinary services, Kisan Credit Card assistance, and support for the PM Kisan scheme. This new partnership with IFFCO will further strengthen its commitment to rural prosperity and farmer welfare, it added.
