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COMPENDIUM, IEEC-2023   ( ISBN : 978-81-967860-4-5 )
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Theme 1: Emerging experiences on CBOs’ intervention and Sustainable Agri-food Systems

Transforming Agribusiness ecosystem in Eastern India through Novel FPO-Based Extension Delivery Model

Anirban Mukherjee, Shubhadeep Roy, V.K. Yadav, K. Pradhan, Dhiraj Kumar Singh, Kumari Shubha, Ujjwal Kumar, Abhay Kumar and Anup Das

ICAR-Research Complex for Eastern Region, Patna
anirban.mukherjee@icar.gov.in

Abstract

The Farmers' Producer Company (FPO) serves as a collective platform empowering farmers, offering a business-oriented perspective to agriculture, and establishing crucial market connections. It unifies diverse agribusiness modes into a single cohesive framework. The ICAR-RCER, Patna, supported by NASF funding, has initiated a comprehensive multi-location, multi-commodity study involving FPOs to enhance technology transfer. Within this scope, distinct technology delivery models have been devised for seed production, vegetable cultivation, organic farming, and natural resource management. These models were developed collaboratively by ICAR-RCER, Patna, ICAR-IIVR, Varanasi, ICAR-RCER, FSRCHPR, Ranchi, and UBKV, Cooch Behar, tailored to specific commodities through need assessment surveys and Fuzzy AHP analysis. The models underwent rigorous capacity building and technology support, converging various extension approaches involving Government institutions, NGOs, and private entities with FPOs. The integration of pluralistic extension practices significantly fortified the FPOs. The FPO-based extension delivery model was further reinforced by assessing farmers' progressiveness, attitudes towards FPOs, and group dynamics. Progressive farmers were selectively engaged in FPOs to form specialized teams, driving production, value addition, and marketing activities. The interplay of group dynamics proved pivotal in enhancing team efficiency. As a result of this initiative, four new FPOs were established, contributing to the improved implementation of the agribusiness ecosystem. The project's focal point centered on promoting the marketing of horticultural crops such as Chilli, Brinjal, Okra, Beans, Capsicum, Tomato, and Mushroom across four states. The devised model holds the promise of fostering enriched agribusiness ecosystems in the horticultural sector of eastern India. Through its collective framework, tailored approaches, and emphasis on collaboration, this study envisions a more prosperous future for agribusiness, empowering farmers and strengthening the agricultural market landscape.

IEEC-2023 at RARI (SKNAU, Jobner), Jaipur, Rajasthan organised by Society of Extension Education, Agra, India