Arya.ag, a homegrown integrated grain commerce platform, has announced a initiative aimed at transforming 200 Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) into Smart Institutions. Launched in collaboration with key partners, this initiative seeks to empower FPOs by leveraging technology to enhance efficiency, promote sustainable farming practices, and build climate-resilient value chains.
During the launch, Prasanna Rao, CEO and Co-Founder of Arya.ag, emphasized the significance of this initiative in evolving the role of FPOs in India’s agricultural landscape. “We believe FPCs can evolve into Smart Institutions that utilize technology to streamline input sales and output procurement while offering a diverse range of services. Smart FPCs will also play a crucial role in establishing climate-resilient value chains by promoting sustainable farming practices and collaborating with corporates to support the sustainable sourcing of produce,” Rao explained.
The initiative will focus on FPOs across several key states, including Bihar, Jharkhand, Gujarat, Assam, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Karnataka. Arya.ag plans to work closely with these organisations to provide access to innovative technologies, training, and support, aiming to enhance their capabilities and drive sustainable growth.
Empowering Smart FPOs
To facilitate this transformation, Arya.ag will implement advanced agritech solutions, empowering Smart FPOs with tools designed to scale operations and improve efficiency. The initiative will also introduce AI-powered crop advisory services, enabling data-driven decision-making to optimize farming practices. Furthermore, Arya.ag will promote digital record-keeping for farming activities, ensuring traceability and transparency throughout the value chain.
Anand Chandra, Executive Director of Arya.ag, stressed the importance of a market-led model for the success of this initiative. “We believe that only a market-led model will enable FPOs to become hubs for sustainable practices. However, it’s crucial that the FPOs are prepared for the market. The 200 Smart FPOs initiative reflects our commitment to driving sustainable agriculture and empowering these farming communities into Smart Institutions,” Chandra stated.
Collaboration and Capacity Building
The initiative has garnered support from various stakeholders in the agricultural sector, including government agencies, development organisations, and corporate partners. Arya.ag plans to collaborate closely with these entities to ensure effective implementation and maximize the initiative’s impact on the ground.
In addition to technology and support, Arya.ag will conduct training and capacity-building programs to enhance the skills and knowledge of FPO members in sustainable farming practices and business management.
The launch of the 200 Smart FPOs initiative was held during Rith Summit 2.0, building on discussions from Rith 1.0 held in December 2023. With the potential to benefit thousands of farmers, this initiative represents a significant step toward developing a more sustainable and resilient agricultural ecosystem in India.
As Arya.ag embarks on this transformative journey, the company aims to set a benchmark in agricultural innovation, contributing to the empowerment of farming communities across the country.
