RBI GM reviews NABARD-backed FPOs in Ferozepur, urges farmers to expand value-added businesses
Ferozepur, September 25, 2026: General Manager, Reserve Bank of India (RBI), Chandigarh, Pankaj Setiya visited Makhu Agro Farmers Producer Company in Makhu for a review and exposure programme involving four NABARD-supported Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) of Ferozepur’s VegSpice cluster.
Sudhir Sidhu, AGM, RBI and Lead District Officer (LDO), Ferozepur; Deepak, Manager, RBI Chandigarh; Upmanyu Sood, Lead District Manager, Ferozepur; and Rohit Kashyap, District Development Manager, NABARD, Ferozepur, participated in the programme along with bankers and directors of Makhu Agro, Zira, Mamdot and Chhanga Rai FPOs.
The four FPOs presented their progress, highlighting how farmers had come together, contributed share capital, started collective trading and gradually moved towards branding and value addition. Together, the FPOs have mobilised more than 2,300 farmer-members.
Their combined annual turnover increased from Rs 30 lakh in FY 2023-24 to Rs 3.50 crore in FY 2025-26, while their cumulative turnover has reached around Rs 7.75 crore. Mamdot FPO recorded a cumulative turnover of Rs 2.26 crore, followed by Chhanga Rai FPO at Rs 2.17 crore, Makhu Agro at Rs 1.73 crore and Zira FPO at Rs 1.59 crore.
Earlier, Rohit Kashyap briefed the visitors about NABARD’s support to the four FPOs under the Central Sector Scheme for Formation and Promotion of 10,000 FPOs. He highlighted their activities in chilli, vegetables, oilseeds and pulses, along with their plans for food processing, value addition and improved market access.
During the visit, Pankaj Setiya launched a brochure documenting the journey of the VegSpice cluster. An exhibition showcasing FPO products was also organised, while the Khushi and Nisha brands were launched. Organic products, including Sona Moti wheat and 1121 Basmati rice, along with wooden products, were displayed.
Setiya also inaugurated crop residue management machinery and tractors purchased by the FPOs through bank credit. The machinery will be used for custom hiring services, allowing member-farmers to access agricultural equipment without having to purchase it individually.
Addressing FPO directors and bankers, Setiya emphasised the potential of collective enterprise and cited the Sahyadri FPO as an example of how farmer-owned organisations can expand their businesses by aggregating produce, adding value and accessing wider markets.
He expressed satisfaction over the progress of the Ferozepur FPOs and encouraged them to diversify their activities, adopt technology and promote organic farming to enhance income opportunities for their members.
Setiya also urged bankers to engage more actively with FPOs, understand their business models and extend support to viable credit proposals.