Kolkata, February 20, 2024: SwitchON Foundation in collaboration with NABARD with technical support from Grant Thornton Bharat LLP and HDFC Bank Parivartan organized a Krishi mela cum buyer seller meet to bring together key stakeholders relevant to the ecosystem strengthening of the FPOs and SHGs of West Bengal marking a significant stride towards fostering sustainable business relationships.
The two day event i.e on 28th and 29th of February organized at Jahangirpur, Krishak Maidan, Nadia, brought together FPOs, SHGs, agricultural enthusiasts, experts, Govt. Department representatives and other stakeholders. Around 600 people joined the two day event where various aspects of agriculture and farming were showcased. A total of 35 stalls were installed in the Krishi Mela including millet stalls, mushroom stalls and other organic products stalls. This included display of new agricultural technologies, seeds, fertilizers, irrigation methods, crop varieties and different organic and millet products. Demonstrations were organized to disseminate information and promote sustainable farming practices. Various workshops on Govt. Scheme linkage and financing were organized to build knowledge and capacity of the FPOs and SHGs.
The Krishi mela was Inaugurated by Honorable Shavadipati, Nadia Zilla Parishad, Additional District Magistrate (Zila Parishad), Dy. Director of Agriculture and other dignitaries from govt line departments like Agriculture Department, Horticulture Department, Fisheries and Animal Husbandry.
Mr Vinay Jaju, Managing Director, SwitchON Foundation said, “We are committed to raise farmer’s income and well being. This buyer-seller meet helped to bridge the gap between farmers, Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), and Self Help Groups (SHGs) with potential buyers opening doors to new markets for the farmers and ensuring a sustainable business relationship. ”
The buyer Seller Meet focussed on connecting the farmers with buyers by facilitating the interaction between leading buyers from across India like Big Basket, MORE, keventers, Amul, Red Cow, Agro tech companies and the FPOs. The buyers interacted with the farmers and understood the unique qualities of their produce. The buyers shared insights into the market demands, preferences and the emerging trends. They discussed the need for organic, sustainable products. Farmers gained valuable knowledge about the packaging, labeling and the quality standards required for selling.
Mr. Shaikat Dey, District Development Manager, Nadia, NABARD said that – The Krishi Mela aims to provide a platform to the budding FPOs, consisting of progressive farmers of the district to establish marketing linkages and become
sustainable on a long term basis. The Buyer Seller interaction is essential to create a conducive environment for FPO development.”
Mr. Manish Singh, Manager, GT BHARAT, said, “Such initiatives under the STREE initiative supported by HDFC PARIVARTAN are being organized across the states of operations. This is most important that our team keep working for ecosystem enablement where the dissemination of learnings can be facilitated for all the FPCs in the ecosystem. That will result in income increase of the farmers.”
Rising concerns about climate change and environmental degradation necessitate a concerted effort to transition towards sustainable practices. SwitchON has encouraged farmers across West Bengal to embrace sustainable farming practices and leverage renewable energy to lead healthy lives and build self-sustaining livelihoods.
Media Dossier
Online Articles: Ek Jhalak | Puraton Muktidut | Sangbad Safar
For more information please contact Surajit Chakraborty (8336993033)
0 
0 
