Capacity Building and Training Ecosystem for FPO in India
(2 min read)
For the fiscal year 22–23, the agricultural sector in India has grown at an average annual rate of 4.5% over the last six years, thanks to the implementation of the Farmer Producer Organization (FPO) policy, which aims to establish 10,000 FPOs by 2024. This presents a multitude of opportunities for stakeholders in technology, social impact, and finance, including investments, job creation, and technical research. However, to fully capitalize on these opportunities and ensure the long-term viability of FPOs at the grassroots level, it is crucial to focus on capacity building and training for farmers.
In addition to traditional approaches, there are various models available for capacity building and training, including digital and hybrid methods. The ecosystem provides ample resources to support these initiatives. The key functions of an FPO include procuring inputs for its members, aggregating produce for the market, and establishing value chains. Understanding these aspects during the initial stages of FPO development is crucial to achieving success.
Farmers with small landholdings often rely on agri-allied businesses to increase their income. However, challenges arise due to the limited size of their land holdings, necessitating a collective approach to agri-allied business for mass production and profitability. Addressing these challenges requires solutions such as providing ongoing support through handholding, conducting follow-ups after training, and establishing a robust support system. Continuous program improvement and collaboration between individual farmers and other FPOs are also essential.
By enhancing the capacity of farmers and promoting knowledge sharing, along with fostering a collaborative and collective approach among farmers and FPOs, the aim is to transform individual farmers into successful agriprenuers. This transformation will not only contribute to the growth of the agricultural sector but also empower farmers to run profitable businesses and uplift entire rural communities.
In conclusion, the scope for capacity building and training within the FPO ecosystem in India is vast. By equipping farmers with the necessary skills, knowledge, and a collaborative mindset, we can facilitate their transition from being mere producers to successful entrepreneurs in the agricultural domain. This comprehensive approach will drive economic growth and generate a positive social impact in rural areas.