Korea's Jeeraful Rice Gains New Identity, Farmers Getting Better Market Through FPO Model
Korea district's traditional and aromatic Jeeraful rice is carving out a new identity through an effective model of natural farming and Farmer Producer Organization (FPO). Efforts by the district administration and agriculture department to promote local agricultural products and provide better markets to farmers are extending the reach of Jeeraful rice beyond the local market to a wider level.
Deputy Director of Agriculture, Mr. Rajesh Bharti, stated that under the guidance of Collector Ms. Roktimma Yadav, 832 farmers associated with FPOs in Korea district are producing Jeeraful paddy through natural farming methods. Farmers are using bio-based inputs like Jivamrit and Beejamrit in their farming. Emphasis is also being placed on giving Jeeraful paddy produced through natural farming a distinct identity in the market through quality, certification, and better packaging.
FPO Becomes a Strong Link from Farm to Market FPOs are playing a significant role in connecting farmers' produce to the organized market, rather than just limiting it to production. Through Sonhat Gaurav Agrofed Krishak Utpadak Bahuddeshiya Sahakari Samiti Maryadit, the aggregation, processing, branding, packaging, and marketing of Jeeraful rice are being promoted. This provides farmers with opportunities to collectively access the market and obtain better prices for their produce.
Complete Chain from Natural Farming to Value Addition Created The natural farming of Jeeraful rice, quality production, certification, attractive packaging, and marketing through FPOs have created a complete chain from 'production to value addition and market'. The Ministry of Agriculture, Government of India, has also praised the efforts related to natural farming of Korea's Jeeraful paddy and the FPO model through its social media platform 'X'.
Work is also being done to bring Jeeraful rice, prepared through natural farming, to the market with PGS-natural farming certification. This is giving Korea's traditional Jeeraful rice a new identity as a quality and natural product.
Chief Minister also Appreciated the Farmers' Efforts Regarding the national recognition being received by Korea's Jeeraful rice, Chief Minister Mr. Vishnu Deo Sai has also appreciated the efforts of the district's farmers. This initiative to connect traditional agricultural products with natural farming, FPOs, and better marketing is opening new market and value addition opportunities for farmers.
The agriculture department is continuously providing guidance to farmers regarding natural farming techniques, bio-input manufacturing, quality production, and marketing through FPOs. The department's objective is to provide organized markets for Korea's local and traditional agricultural products and ensure farmers get better prices for their produce.
The identity of Jeeraful is now reaching from farm to market, and FPOs are emerging as an important link in this transformation.