Mr. Venugopal AGM, NABARD visited the FPOs in Thanjavur region and had interaction with FPO CEO’s, Board of Directors, shareholder beneficiaries. DHAN Foundation in Thanjavur is working with 1100 SHG’s in seven blocks with six registered SHG federations. In 2015-16, the region has initiated three FPO with women farmers in three rural federations. In the year 2017, the FPOs started with a turnover of 4 lakhs to 8 lakhs. From 2017 onwards the business was initiated slowly first with input supply on time and then with the purchase of commodity from the shareholders. The turnover was initiated with 4 lakhs to 8 lakhs and in 2019-2020 it has crossed Rs.28 to 30 lakhs across all three FPO’s. This year, as on date, all the three FPOs have earned a profit of Rs 1.45 lakhs to Rs.2.75 lakhs and hence three FPOs are planning to bring sustainability to their FPOs by aiming around 5 lakhs profit for the financial year 2020-21, with a turnover of more than Rs.50 lakhs.

During the interaction session with Mr. Venugopal, the Board of Directors of the three FPOs has put forth their request that NABARD should increase the revolving fund from Rs 50,000 to Rs. 5,00,000 for the benefit of the farmers.