FPOs told to focus on value addition, branding and market linkages

Visakhapatnam: Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) should focus on quality, value addition, branding, packaging and market linkages to tap domestic and international markets, speakers emphasised at a capacity-building programme held here on Friday. Organised by the Indian Institute of Plantation Management (IIPM), Bengaluru, in association with ICAR–National Institute for Research on Commercial Agriculture (NIRCA) and the Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) regional centre, Visakhapatnam, the programme focused on the theme ‘empowering FPOs for global success: A comprehensive training on export readiness’.

The technical sessions covered the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority’s (APEDA) role in agricultural exports, export marketing, market linkages, supply chain and logistics, marketing and branding and international packaging and labelling requirements.

Speakers emphasised that FPOs can improve farmers’ market access by aggregating produce, undertaking value addition and building stronger market-oriented enterprises. The platform provided an opportunity for FPO representatives to interact with institutional and sector experts on export readiness and market opportunities.

Joe K Kizhakudan, Principal Scientist and Head, CMFRI Regional Centre, Visakhapatnam, G Samanth Kumar Reddy, DDM, NABARD, B Syamala, District Horticulture Officer, Visakhapatnam, R Sukhesh, Assistant Manager, APEDA, Hema Baliwada, scientist, ICAR-NIRCA, Shanabhoga M B, Nabirasool and CH. Balaswamy from IIPM-Bangalore addressed the gathering. The event, held with APEDA’s support, brought together over 70 FPO representatives and officials from NABARD, APEDA, the department of horticulture and ICAR institutions to discuss export opportunities and strengthening market linkages.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

The Hans India