Guwahati: The Farmer Producer Organisation (FPO) Exhibition cum Mela, jointly organised by the Government of India and the Department of Agriculture, Assam, provided a crucial platform for farmers to display their products, explore market expansion strategies, and discuss challenges in the sector.
Business North East (BNE) recently spoke with Bhaskar Pegu, Secretary to the Government of Assam, Agriculture Department, and Director of Agriculture, who highlighted the event's significance in strengthening Assam’s agricultural ecosystem. With 43 selected FPOs from Assam and two from Meghalaya participating, the event focused on boosting exports, brand development and addressing key hurdles such as marketing and post-harvest management.
Pegu emphasised that the objective of the exhibition is to help farmers expand their market reach beyond state and national borders. "Some FPOs have already started exporting niche products like ginger, pineapple, and Assam lemon. The focus is now on developing export-oriented strategies and fostering collaborations with foreign agencies," said Pegu.
The event also addressed the need for small and marginal farmers to unite under the FPO framework, allowing them to join forces with larger markets and exporters. "Most farmers in Assam have less than one hectare of land, making collective marketing through FPOs essential for sustainability and profitability," he added.
Assam is witnessing rapid growth in FPOs, with nearly 700 FPOs established across the state under the 10,000 FPO scheme. Multiple agencies, including NABARD, ASFAC, ASRLM (PNRD Department), NERAMAC and CDC, are implementing the initiative.
Pegu highlighted that many FPOs have started developing their own brands for products like Johar rice, red rice, and mustard oil, creating opportunities for wider market acceptance. "These brands, if marketed effectively outside Assam and even internationally, have the potential for significant demand and sales," noted Pegu.
“Marketing and post-harvest management are the primary hurdles. With increased production, the need for proper storage, packaging, and branding becomes crucial. Perishable items like tomatoes require cold storage and cold rooms, which are currently being installed by the Directorate of Horticulture and other agencies," said Pegu when asked about the challenges faced by FPOs.
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Efforts are underway to improve storage infrastructure, enhance branding, and streamline sales channels, ensuring that farmers receive better value for their products.
The FPO Exhibition cum Mela marked a significant step towards empowering Assam’s farmers by fostering business collaborations and equipping them with the tools needed for sustainable growth and global outreach.
The Assam Small Farmers Agribusiness Consortium (ASFAC) organised the event in collaboration with the Small Farmers Agribusiness Consortium (SFAC) of the Government of India.
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