Get a group of likeminded people together for a few days in a serene atmosphere. The group, diverse in experience, geography and activities but bound together by a common thread- that of being an FPO and a recognized one at that; a Light House FPO.
And things happen.
Add to it the impetus provided by presentations on technology, science, market scenarios, market linkages, commodity exchanges- an amazing array of choices to make- and a lightbulb glows!
At times a single spark is enough to light a fire. The 2023 Conclave provided for enough sparks, nay tools, to light fires. And what better place than a willing and ready audience eager to listen to experts in their relevant fields talking to them?
The FPO faces problems which are real world. They are not only aware but they are fighting them every day. In such a scenario, the Conclave provided a breath of fresh air. It was not a theoretical solution thrown at them. The solutions were genuine, easy to implement and had shown results. Take the case of Garuda drone technology. Yes, the cost factor needed to be sorted out; who would fund and who would bear the cost? But the solutions were not only impactful, they had direct bearing on the FPOs’ bottomline, productivity, less usage of pesticides and an overall scientific approach to agriculture. Imagine thousands of acres being surveyed, pesticide quantity determined based on crop growth and soil conditions; and savings directly adding to profits.
The FPO today plays a vital role in two areas; buying inputs at a lower cost for its members and providing market linkages. It is the market linkages where the problems continue. Despite efforts by various entities these are real world issues which are not going away soon. But the interventions of multinational entities like Olam Agri, smart use of futures and options on the NCDX and MCX exchanges, listing on ONDC platforms to provide additional market opportunities can lead to not only making the FPO stronger but also be able to plan their next season better. There are huge possibilities if one or more of these opportunities were to converge for an FPO.
One cannot predict the future, but one can surely prepare for it.
There is immense work in agri technology which is today available for the FPO to experiment. Take the case of a technology like Plasmaized water. This can revolutionize seed germination if the results are to believed. Likewise, simple yet effective usage of inputs from companies which are in the business of crop sciences, bio sciences and such can provide valuable inputs to the FPO.
All of them make a difference to the FPOs’ bottomline. If the FPO does well, it means the farmer member has done well. And if the bottom of the pyramid benefits, the nation will prosper.
The FPO is making a choice everyday on what to produce, what markets to sell into, what technology to use, and so on and so forth. But the decision making can be poor thanks to lack of information, knowledge, training or sheer reluctance to try something new.
A nudge is needed at times to propel in the right direction.
They say the teacher arrives when the student is ready. In the Kanha Shanti Vanam, the soil is prepared for sowing, the atmosphere perfect, the minds open and willing and the teacher available to impart knowledge.
There is a tremendous scope to improve. That’s what makes the future exciting. There is a need for better productivity but with less usage of chemicals. There is a need to create sustainable farming. The produce is abundant in one place with no markets while growing sparsely in regions where the demand is not met. The market linkages need to be ironed out for the dynamics of these complex scenarios. A huge boulder can be lifted if thousand small hands push from below. And at times a small nudge can propel a landslide. It is about right knowledge at the right time and right place.
The journey has begun. And while it may be one small step for an FPO and not a giant leap for agriculture, it surely is a walk towards a brighter future.
The Conclave 2024 would go further ahead.
Author : Vikrant Pandey
