In a Historic Move, India's First FPO Call Center Inaugurated in New Delhi

Dr. Vijaya Lakshmi Nadendla, Joint Secretary (Marketing), Ministry of Agriculture, inaugurated India’s first FPO call center at Krishi Jagran Headquarters in New Delhi today. MC Dominic, Founder & Chairman of Krishi Jagran and Agriculture World, Shiny Dominic, Managing Director at Krishi Jagran & Agriculture World along with Mashar Velapurath, MD, AFC India Limited participated in the event which was held in hybrid mode. 

The Chief Guest of the inauguration ceremony, Dr Vijaya Lakshmi Nadendla said, " I have seen Kisan call centers that have been very beneficial to farmers in answering farmer's queries. In line with that concept, Krishi Jagran and AFC have started India's first FPO call center which will be helpful for the development and functioning of FPOs. The FPO call center will bear the important responsibility of helping FPOs by solving their queries. I congratulate the two organizations on the launch of this initiative. " 

Present at the inauguration were many dignitaries from the agriculture sector including KV Somani, CMD at Somani Kanak Seedz, Dr. Dinesh Chauhan, VP at New Initiatives DeHaat, and Daya Shankar Singh, President of UP FPO Association.

Speaking at the event, Founder and Editor in Chief of Krishi Jagran and AW magazine, MC Dominic said, "The inauguration marks a significant historical moment, particularly for the FPO sector. The main goal of this effort is consistent with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's goal of establishing 10,000 prosperous agri FPOs in India."

"This FPO call center offers a one-stop shop for all of the problems and obstacles that the farmer community is now facing. We have assembled a group of specialists who can respond to any of their questions and aid in their success. Let's work together to make this combined initiative between Krishi Jagran and AFC a success so that the FPOs can take over the Indian business sector", he added.

Mashar Velapurath, MD of AFC India Ltd said, “Krishi Jagran with the technical support of AFC has started this FPO call center initiative. For years, there have been many efforts by the state and central govt to promote FPOs including NABARD for the last 10 years.”

“Over 85% of farmers in India are marginal farmers with a mere 1 hectare of farming land. The cost and process of input, marketing, and value addition are simplified by the organization of FPOs which helps double the farmer’s income along with reducing the cost of cultivation. We are trying to bridge the communication and information gap existing in the agriculture sector through this FPO call center,” he added.

The President of UP FPO Association, Daya Shankar Singh said, “FPO registration is not an issue, it is pretty easy to acquire licenses. However, the management of the FPO becomes a Herculian task. Most associations start without a business plan, which ruins the functioning of the FPO. This FPO call center can help in the smooth functioning of the associations and help them resolve the issues faced by FPOs across the country.”

Dr. Dinesh Chauhan, VP - of New Initiatives DeHaat, said, “I congratulate Krishi Jagran and AFC on this unique and much-needed initiative. With over 10,000 FPOs, there is relatively very less knowledge about how to manage them. The FPO call center has a huge responsibility on its shoulders and I am sure it will be successful in providing farmers the help they need.”