The signing of MoUs with 34 Agribusiness companies aimed at providing crucial marketing support to FPOs in Odisha.

12/02/2024, Odisha - The Odisha FPO Conclave 2024 achieved a noteworthy milestone in reshaping the FPO ecosystem in the region. This edition of the FPO Conclave resulted in the signing of 34 Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with Agribusiness Companies. The Department of Agriculture & Farmers Empowerment in Odisha has partnered with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF) to enhance the FPOs' ability to access lucrative markets, align with government schemes, and implement a Digital Governance system for evaluating the performance of FPOs in Odisha.

Organized by Department of Horticulture and Farmers' Empowerment, Govt. of Odisha in collaboration with Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology (OUAT), Bhubaneswar, Odisha FPO Conclave 2024 has been a platform with a diverse array of stakeholders, including policy makers, Implementing Agencies, CBBOs, Banks and Financial Institutions, Institutional buyers, Ag-Tech solution providers, Academicians, Industry Experts, Agribusiness Market Players and FPO representatives to deliberate on strategies to enhance market access, positioning Odisha as the hub of agribusiness opportunities through FPOs in eastern part of India. Palladium Consulting India Private Limited was the technical and knowledge partner for the event.

The Conclave was envisaged as a state forum to engage in dialogue among ecosystem stakeholders to accelerate the business transformation of FPOs. More than 500 participants from FPOs across the state in 30 districts participated in the Conclave.

Dr. Arabinda Kumar Padhee, IAS, The Principal Secretary, Department of Agriculture and Farmers' Empowerment addressed the gathering and provided an overview of agriculture and allied sector landscape in Odisha. He further highlighted "The need for collective marketing and focus on value-addition for farmers in the state and the role of FPOs in achieving the same, while emphasizing on the importance of private partnerships for growth of FPOs.

The Vice Chancellor of OUAT highlighted "The collaborative efforts between OUAT and the Department of Horticulture, particularly in bolstering support for FPOs through direct engagement of Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) and the participation of Agribusiness Management students in research endeavours aimed at strengthening FPO ecosystems."

Officials from NABARD, ORMAS, NAFED, SBI were invited to the Conclave who interacted with the FPOs during various technical sessions. Sector experts, leaders, and academicians from PRADAN, IPFRI, LEAF, Digital Green, Ninjakart, Sahaydri Farms, Access Development Services, ORIGIN, ISB, Dehaat, Debra Agribusiness FPCL, Farmology, Kalgudi Digital Private Limited, Kisan Saathi, Lawrencedale Agro Processing India Pvt Ltd, Mayurbhanj Grand Pvt Ltd., NEML, Samunnati Finance, Semina Agro Pvt Ltd., Skill Greens, Bank of Baroda, Academicians, from OUAT participated in the Conclave.

The Conclave provided a platform for attendees to forge new partnerships, exchange ideas, and explore collaboration opportunities. The breakthrough event facilitated knowledge exchange and market exploration and enabled ecosystem players to engage in dialogues with sector experts.