FPO Market Place & Conclave - MP 2023, a daylong event was organized by ACCESS Development Services, New Delhi in collaboration with NABARD, Madhya Pradesh State Rural Livelihood Mission (MP SRLM) & WalMart Foundation. The conclave was attended by over 250 participants from FPOs across the state, FPO promoters along with government agencies, banks, financial institutions and various other stakeholders like traders, corporate buyers, input suppliers, agri-tech service providers, warehousing companies, tech-platforms for enabling online trade etc.
The chief guest, Nirupam Mehrotra, Chief General Manager, NABARD, Madhya Pradesh Regional Office, Bhopal inaugurated the conclave with the lighting of lamp. The conclave's welcome address was delivered by Ms. Radhika Agashe, Executive Director, ACCESS Development Services.
In his address, Nirupam Mehrotra mentioned that the concept of FPO is to work together towards addressing the challenges faced by small and marginal farmer members. He informed that criteria have been set by GoI that there should be more than 300 members in the FPOs formed in plain areas. With more than 300 members, the chances of success of the FPO are enhanced. FPOs can be registered under both Companies and Cooperative Act. These rules should not be seen as binding, they should be considered necessary for smooth running of the company. FPOs can further add revenue streams to their business by way of Common Service Center (CSC). More than 400 services can be provided by FPO through CSC under Digital India.
