Gumla Administration Pushes for Better Prices for Farmers and Forest Produce Collectors

A review meeting of the Board of Directors of the Sidho-Kanhu Agriculture and Forest Produce District Cooperative Federation Limited, Gumla, was held at the Collectorate under the chairmanship of Deputy Commissioner Dileshwar Mahto.

The meeting focused on the functioning of the cooperative federation, the benefits available to farmers and forest produce collectors, and ways to improve the collection, marketing and sale of locally available agricultural and forest products.

During the meeting, the District Cooperative Officer briefed the participants about the establishment, objectives and current functioning of the federation. The cooperative was established in 2021 with the aim of supporting farmers and those dependent on forest produce by creating better opportunities for marketing their products.

Focus on better market access

Officials said farmers in Gumla currently sell products such as karanj and karanj seeds, lac, tamarind, ragi and mahua, among other agricultural and forest produce, largely through local markets.

However, limited access to organised markets and a lack of information about prevailing prices often prevent farmers and forest produce collectors from receiving the value their products deserve.

Taking note of the issue, Deputy Commissioner Dileshwar Mahto directed officials to conduct a broad awareness campaign among farmers and forest produce collectors about the cooperative federation, its activities and the benefits of becoming associated with it.

He also stressed the need to strengthen the institutional structure required for the effective functioning of the federation.

Cooperative to connect produce with organised markets

The Deputy Commissioner instructed officials to ensure that agricultural and forest produce collected or produced in the district is systematically connected with suitable markets through the cooperative.

He emphasised that concrete measures should be taken to help farmers and collectors receive the best possible and fair prices for their products. Strengthening market linkages could also reduce dependence on local intermediaries and help producers make better-informed decisions about where and when to sell their produce.

The administration also stressed the need to expand the federation's activities to the panchayat and block levels so that more farmers and forest produce collectors can benefit from the initiative.

Officials attend review meeting

Those present at the meeting included Forest Divisional Officer-cum-Managing Director of Sidhkofed Ahmad Belal Anwar, District Welfare Officer Alok Ranjan, District Cooperative Officer Madhuri Beg, representatives of the General Manager of the District Industries Centre, the District Agriculture Officer, and elected members of the boards of directors of Tetera LAMPS, Sisai LAMPS, Totambi LAMPS and Fepur LAMPS Limited, along with other officials and employees.

The administration's focus on organised marketing and better price realisation is expected to be particularly important for forest-dependent communities in Gumla, where products such as mahua, lac and tamarind form an important part of the local rural economy.