FPO Mela in Indore to Showcase Organic Products and Connect Farmers with Consumers

A three-day FPO Mela will be organized at the Gramin Haat Bazaar in Indore from December 14 to 16, 2024. The event is being hosted by the Small Farmers’ Agricultural Business Association (SFAC), under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Government of India. The Mela will provide a platform for Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) to showcase their products, promote organic farming, and connect directly with consumers.

The objective of this state-level event is to highlight the products of FPOs, facilitate the marketing and branding of FPO products, and uplift their sales across the country. Visitors will be able to purchase a wide range of products, including healthy snacks, home and kitchen essentials, beauty and wellness products, and more, all sourced from organic farming practices.

This will be the 11th FPO Mela organized so far, and it is expected to feature over 50 FPOs from across India and Madhya Pradesh. Farmers will be able to sell their products directly to consumers at affordable prices, eliminating intermediaries. The event will also offer opportunities for networking, knowledge sharing, and capacity building for FPOs, enabling them to enhance their market access and build stronger brand identities.

The Mela will be open daily from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM and will feature a variety of activities, including competitions in which school students can participate. Schools will be encouraged to visit the event to help raise awareness among students about the importance of FPOs and organic products.

This initiative is part of a larger effort by SFAC, in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, to conduct 24 FPO Melas and exhibitions across India during FY 2024-25. These events aim to provide a national platform for FPOs to market their products and increase their visibility.

As part of the Government's ambitious goal to double farmers' income, F2DF, an organization based in Jind, Haryana, is working with the Ministry to connect farmers' products to larger markets. F2DF has been instrumental in facilitating market access for farmers and FPOs and aims to connect 8,500 FPOs representing approximately 24 lakh farmers this year alone. This initiative is aligned with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of boosting farmers' income through sustainable farming practices and direct market linkages.