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.
Coimbatore: 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.
The award was presented at the Academy's 47th Foundation celebrations in Hyderabad on September 1. The Academy's Director, Dr. Srinivasa Rao handed over the award to Kumar, Head of Velliangiri Uzhavan FPO and Swami Chidambara, Coordinator of Isha Outreach. Prem, CEO of Velliangiri Uzhavan was also present at the ceremony.
''In today's event, two 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 harder 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," said Kumar, Head of Velliangiri Uzhavan FPO.
Vellianguri Uzhavan had earlier received the 'Best FPO' award from the then Chief Minister, Edappadi K Palaniswami during the Republic day celebrations in 2021. It has also won the Outlook Magazine award in 2020. The FPO's stall was also visited by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the Agri Expo in Uttar Pradesh.