The first state-level FPO (Farmer Producer Organization) Mela began in Tripura on February 17, 2025, aiming to boost agricultural growth in the region. Tripura hosted the event at the Purbasha Mela Ground in Agartala. The FPO Mela is promoting Vocal for Local initiatives.
Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Amit Shah, inaugurated the National Mega Conclave on FPO in the cooperative sector and released an action plan for forming 1,100 new FPOs by PACS (Primary Agricultural Credit Societies) in New Delhi. The government has allocated ₹6,900 crore to establish 10,000 FPOs by 2027. As of 2021, there were 4,959 FPOs in India. The formation and promotion of FPOs is the first step in converting Krishi into Atmanirbhar Krishi, which will enhance cost-effective production and productivity and improve rural economies.
Minister Ratan Lal Nath inaugurates 1st Sate Level FPO Mela 2025
Agartala, February 17: The state agriculture and farmers’ welfare minister Ratan Lal Nath on Monday inaugurated the three day long 1st Sate Level FPO Mela 2025 organized by department of agriculture and farmers’ welfare at Purbasa in presence of Rajya Sabha MP Rajib Bhattacharjee, Mayor of AMC Dipak Majumder and others.
Speaking in the inaugural ceremony agriculture and farmers’ welfare minister Ratan Lal Nath said that the government is working for the welfare of women, youth, farmers and poor people of the state under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The Prime Minister has given priority to the welfare of the people of this region. The aim of the state government is to build a developed Tripura with the cooperation of people from all sections, he added.
Farmers should be encouraged to become self-reliant. FPO (Farmers Producers Organization) is an organization formed by farmers. Small and marginal farmers organize their agricultural production, processing and marketing and business activities through FPOs. Its main objective is to improve farmers’ finances. Increasing productivity and selling fair produce in the market. The central government launched a scheme for the formation and development of farmers’ producers organizations in 2020. There are currently 58 FPOs in 58 blocks in the state. 10,434 farmers in the state are working under FPOs, the minister added.
What are the main objectives of the 1st State Level FPO Mela 2025
The first state-level FPO (Farmer Producer Organization) Mela in Tripura, which began on February 17, 2025, aimed to boost agricultural growth in the region. The objective of state-level events like this is to highlight the products of FPOs, facilitate the marketing and branding of FPO products, and uplift farmer producer organizations. These melas also help FPOs by enabling networking, knowledge sharing, and capacity building, which enhances their market access and helps build stronger brand identities. The Tripura event promoted Vocal for Local initiatives.
What specific products will be showcased at the FPO Mela 2025
FPO farmers are expected to showcase a variety of products, including bamboo handicraft products and pure honey. The FPO Mela in Agartala will offer pure, natural products directly from farmers. FPOs, in general, offer products such as manure, seeds, fertilizers, and equipment, and also help farmers sell their finished crops and Produce.
Which states will be represented at the FPO Mela 2025
The FPO Mela in Indore in December 2024 featured over 50 FPOs from across India and Madhya Pradesh. In February 2025, a grand FPO Mela was held in Agartala. Major FPOs from across the country participated in the FPO Mela held at Delhi Haat.
ICFA is organizing 20 state-level events, comprised of workshops, expos and business meets, involving @250 FPOs and other stakeholders, including State Government officials, bankers, development institutions, experts, food industry and corporates.
SFAC promotes FPOs under old programs in the following states: Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Delhi, Goa, Gujarat, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Odisha, Punjab, Rajasthan, Sikkim, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Tripura, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and West Bengal.
How will the integration with the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) impact the FPO Mela 2025
The integration of the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) with the FPO Mela 2025 is expected to significantly enhance the market reach and operational capabilities of Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs). Here are the key impacts:
Increased Market Access: ONDC allows FPOs to connect with multiple digital platforms simultaneously, enabling them to reach a wider audience without being confined to a single platform. This is crucial for small farmers looking to maximize their sales opportunities.
Digital Empowerment: The integration will provide FPOs with direct access to digital marketing tools, online payment systems, and business-to-business (B2B) and business-to-consumer (B2C) transaction capabilities. This transition to digital commerce is essential for improving operational efficiency and expanding their market presence.
Training and Support: The agriculture ministry is conducting training sessions as part of the ONDC initiative, focusing on packaging, branding, marketing, and compliance. This support will help FPOs better position their products in the market.
Diverse Product Listings: With ONDC, FPOs can list a variety of agricultural products, which enhances their visibility and competitiveness in the marketplace. The platform currently facilitates trade for over 3,100 varieties of agricultural products.
Cost Reduction: By leveraging ONDC’s infrastructure, FPOs can reduce operational costs associated with traditional marketing and distribution methods, allowing them to offer more competitive pricing.
Overall, the integration with ONDC is set to empower FPOs at the FPO Mela 2025 by enhancing their digital capabilities and market access, ultimately contributing to increased sales and improved livelihoods for farmers.
Are there any international participants expected at the FPO Mela 2025
While some FPO Melas focus on regional or national participants, others, like the Surajkund International Crafts Mela, include international participants. Spices Board, Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Govt. of India participates in international trade fairs. Extensive publicity and promotion is planned to spread the message across all the country in all the State of India and abroad.
How will the FPO Mela 2025 be promoted internationally
The promotion of the FPO Mela 2025 internationally will involve several strategic initiatives aimed at attracting global attention and participation. Here are the key approaches planned:
Extensive Publicity Campaign: A comprehensive promotional campaign is being organized to spread awareness about the FPO Mela across India and internationally. This includes outreach to international organizations, stakeholders, and potential investors in the agriculture sector.
International Partnerships: The Indian Chamber of Food and Agriculture (ICFA) is actively seeking to establish international partnerships that will facilitate technology transfer, investment, and collaboration in agribusiness. Such partnerships are expected to enhance the visibility of the FPO Mela on a global scale.
Participation of Global Stakeholders: The event aims to attract participation from international organizations involved in food, agriculture, animal husbandry, and rural development. This will create opportunities for networking and collaboration between Indian FPOs and global entities.
Showcasing Agricultural Innovations: The FPO Mela will serve as a platform to present innovative agricultural products and practices from India, highlighting the potential for international trade and cooperation in sustainable farming practices.
Engagement with International Media: Efforts will be made to engage with international media outlets to cover the event, thereby increasing its reach and attracting global attention to the initiatives being showcased at the Mela.
Through these strategies, the FPO Mela 2025 aims to position itself as a significant event in the global agricultural calendar, fostering international cooperation and investment in India’s agricultural sector.
