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Need to train and empower FPOs to optimize production, processing and marketing: Secretary, Food Processing
Nov 21, 2024
NEW DELHI, 21 November 2024: Ms Anita Praveen, Secretary, Ministry of Food Processing Industries, today underscored the importance of collaboration among farmers, industry, and government to enhance value addition, minimize wastage, and improve farm-to-fork efficiency. Highlighting the pivotal role of Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), she emphasized the need to train and empower them to optimize production, processing, and marketing.
Addressing the session on Farm Prosperity during the ‘FICCI’s 97th AGM and Annual Convention’, Ms Praveen said, “Micro and medium processing units near farms, better logistics, and FPO-led initiatives can unlock rural prosperity. Retaining wealth from value addition is crucial for India's agri-growth.” She also, emphasized that when industries actively engage with farmers through training, weather forecasting, technical inputs, financial instruments, and collaborative planning, it lays a strong foundation for agricultural success.
Mr Hemant Sikka, Co-Chairman of the FICCI Committee on Agriculture and President of the Farm Equipment Sector at Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd., emphasized the pivotal role of agriculture in India’s path to becoming a developed nation by 2047. He said that agriculture is the backbone of India’s economy, employing nearly half of the workforce and playing a key role in rural development and food security. Mr Sikka also highlighted FICCI’s ambitious target to double agricultural exports to Rs 8 lakh crore by integrating digitalization, mechanization, and productivity improvements, which aim to enhance market access, optimize agricultural inputs, and promote sustainable practices. Through these initiatives, he reaffirmed FICCI’s commitment to transforming India into a global agricultural powerhouse, ensuring farm prosperity as a central pillar of the nation’s vision for a Viksit Bharat by 2047.
Mr Syed Junaid Altaf, Group Executive Director, FIL Industries, highlighted the transformative potential of horticulture clusters in driving farmer prosperity. Speaking on the subject, he underscored how horticulture clusters address critical challenges related to productivity, market linkages, and resilience. Drawing from FIL’s experience with the Apple Cluster Program in Kashmir, Mr. Altaf shared insights into a comprehensive, end-to-end approach that integrates high-density planting materials, integrated nutrient management, capacity building for farmers, and parametric-based insurance solutions to boost productivity and climate adaptability.
Mr Subroto Geed, President - South Asia, Corteva Agriscience, underscored the critical role of integrating sustainability into core business strategies to drive productivity and ensure long-term prosperity. Highlighting Corteva’s innovative solutions, he cited examples such as hybrid corn achieving U.S.-level yields in Bihar and direct-seeded hybrid rice that conserves water, lowers greenhouse gas emissions, and enhances farmers' return on investment. He also emphasized the value of advanced crop protection products, including selective nematicides, which safeguard soil health while boosting productivity. Stressing the importance of educating farmers on the effective use of technology and resistance management Mr Geed concluded by linking sustainability, productivity, and prosperity as foundational pillars for realizing India’s vision of a ‘Viksit Bharat 2047’.
Mr Sanjiv Kanwar, Managing Director, Yara South Asia, reaffirmed the company’s unwavering commitment to empowering Indian farmers in overcoming critical agricultural challenges such as soil depletion, malnutrition, water scarcity, and emissions.
Ms Nitika Nathani, Partner, McKinsey & Company moderated the session.