Training and Empowering FPOs Essential for Boosting Agricultural Growth

In a bid to enhance the efficiency of India’s agricultural sector, Anita Praveen, Secretary of the Ministry of Food Processing Industries, emphasized the need for robust collaboration among farmers, Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), industries, and the government. Speaking at the 97th Annual General Meeting and Convention of the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI), she highlighted the importance of training and empowering FPOs to improve production, processing, and marketing practices.

Value Addition: A Pillar of Agricultural Development:

“Creating wealth through value addition is essential for India’s agricultural growth,” said Praveen. She advocated for setting up small and medium-sized processing units near farms to minimize waste, improve logistics, and enhance farm-to-fork efficiency. Praveen also underscored the significance of weather forecasting, technical inputs, and financial tools, stating that direct engagement between industries and farmers can lay a strong foundation for agricultural success.

Vision 2047: Transforming India into an Agricultural Powerhouse:

Hemant Sikka, Co-Chairman of FICCI’s Agriculture Committee, outlined the pivotal role of agriculture in achieving India’s goal of becoming a developed nation by 2047. With nearly half of India’s workforce engaged in agriculture, the sector is the backbone of rural development and food security. Sikka shared FICCI’s ambitious goal of doubling agricultural exports to ₹8 lakh crore through digitalization, mechanization, and productivity enhancements.
The statement emphasizes that enhancing resources, expanding market access, and adopting sustainable practices are key to establishing India as a global agricultural leader.

Harnessing Horticulture Clusters for Farmer Prosperity:

Highlighting the potential of horticulture clusters, Syed Junaid Altaf, Group Executive Director of FIL Industries, shared insights from FIL’s Apple Cluster Program in Kashmir. He explained how practices such as high-density planting, integrated nutrient management, and climate-resilient solutions like parametric insurance have enhanced farmer prosperity and improved productivity.

Embedding Sustainability in Business Strategies:

Subroto Geed, a leader in agricultural science, highlighted the need to include sustainability in business plans for lasting growth. He shared examples like hybrid corn with high yields in Bihar and hybrid rice that saves water, cuts emissions, and raises farmers' incomes. He also stressed the importance of modern crop protection products for better soil health and higher crop yields.

Marching Towards a ‘Viksit Bharat 2047: As India progresses toward its vision of a ‘Viksit Bharat 2047,’ experts agreed that empowering FPOs and embedding sustainability in the agricultural value chain will be crucial. By leveraging innovations, addressing climate challenges, and fostering strong farmer-industry partnerships, India can unlock the full potential of its agricultural sector and drive inclusive growth.

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