HYDERABAD, 27 June 2023: Samunnati, a leading agri enterprise in India, concluded its inaugural edition of the Lighthouse FPO conclave in Hyderabad on June 22 and 23, 2023.
The two-day event, centered around the theme "Building a Resilient FPO Ecosystem," brought together 183 lighthouse Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) from across the country. Notably, Sri Singireddy Niranjan Reddy Garu, Honorable Minister of Agriculture, Government of Telangana, delivered an engaging keynote session addressing key aspects such as integrated farming, diversified crops, digital innovation, and market access.
As an annual property commemorating the organization's birth anniversary, the conclave aimed to tackle the pressing challenges faced by FPOs, primarily focusing on finance and market access.
Anilkumar SG, Founder and CEO of Samunnati, kicked off the event with a welcome address, sharing his insights and experiences of fostering empowerment within the organization and its associated FPOs. He expressed the aspiration to establish the conclave as a renowned platform for addressing FPO challenges, providing support, and nurturing growth every year on June 23.
The event, designed "for the FPOs, and by the FPOs," sought to recognize and celebrate those who have made a positive and sustainable impact on farmers' livelihoods. It provided a platform for selected FPOs to share their stories of struggles, success, and learnings, inspiring others within the FPO ecosystem to thrive as commercial enterprises and directly benefit farmers across India.
The conclave successfully hosted four panel discussions, focusing on access to financial services and market opportunities for FPOs. The discussions covered the themes of "Addressing the 'Access to Finance' Paradox," "Opening FPO Mindset to AgTech Innovations," "Access to Markets - Opportunities & New Developments," and "Climate Smart Practices & Regenerative Agriculture." Eminent panelists from thriving FPOs across India shared their insights, and successful case studies and innovations from Plasma Waters, Garuda Aerospace, PayNearBy, and MCX were showcased.
During the event, the "State of Sector Report 2023 - Farmer Producer Organization in India," published by NAFPO, was officially launched. The report, presented by Shri Anish Kumar, Managing Director of Transforming Rural India Foundation, provides reliable data to identify critical touchpoints for FPOs and paves the way for data-analyzed farming practices in India.
Sri Singireddy Niranjan Reddy Garu, Honorable Minister of Agriculture, Government of Telangana, emphasized the need for an integrated agriculture policy to comprehensively develop farmers and the nation.
He expressed his belief that with the right support, agriculture has the potential to drive employment, reduce poverty, and contribute to global growth, while benefiting the farmers and FPOs. His presence at the conclave added significance and inspiration to the event.
The two-day conclave brought together key agricultural representatives, experts, thought leaders, and stakeholders, including Tata Trusts, Reliance Foundation, Suguna Foods, MCX, Eplane, Axis Bank, Devidayal solar solutions Pvt Ltd, Flipkart, ADM, ICAR - ATARI, MANAGE, RICH, WOTR, APMAS, Adani Wilmar, Fertis India Pvt Ltd, Krishikalpa, Villgro, WRI India, Ecozen Solutions, Hydrogreens Agri Solutions, IFHD, CEEW, TRIF, Catalysts, Sehgal Foundation, Roquette, Agrilife India Pvt Ltd, others.
