The National Academy of Agricultural Research Management (ICAR – NAARM) has bestowed the Best emerging FPO to The Velliangiri Uzhavan FPO, which has been functioning with the guidance of Isha.
This award was given at the Academy’s 47th foundation celebrations in Hyderabad on Sep 1. The Academy’s director Dr. Srinivasa Rao handed over the award to Mr. Kumar, Head of Velliangiri Uzhavan FPO, and Swami Chidambara, coordinator of Isha Outreach. Mr. Prem, CEO of Velliangiri Uzhavan was also present at the ceremony.
Mr. Kumar said, “In today’s event, 2 FPOs from all over the nation were awarded. We are happy that one of them is ours. This award inspires us to work even more and become even better. In 2013, with Sadhguru’s guidance, this organization was started in the Thondamuthur area and to date, it continues to be profitable. Our organization has a total of 1,063 farmers. The coconuts, areca nuts, vegetables, etc which are grown by them are sold directly to the market by us. In our first year we had a turnover of Rs 45,000 and in the last fiscal year (2021 -2022) we had a turnover of Rs 17.65 crores. This has been possible due to the unity between the directors and farmers who are members of the organization,
Isha’s guidance and the continuous support of Isha volunteers. On this happy occasion, I would like to express my gratitude to Sadhguru and Isha Volunteers.”
Vellianguri Uzhavan has earlier received the Best FPO award from then Chief Minister, Mr. Edappadi Palaniswami during the Republic day celebrations in 2021. It has also won the Outlook Magazine award in 2020 and the FPO’s stall was visited by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the Agri Expo in Uttar Pradesh.
(This is an official press release from Isha Foundation. The Commune was not involved in creating this content.)
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