Krishikalpa Launches India’s First FPO Accelerator Program with NABARD’s Support

Krishikalpa Launches India’s First FPO Accelerator Program with NABARD’s Support

Krishikalpa, a leading not-for-profit organization dedicated to empowering Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), today launched India’s first-ever accelerator program designed specifically for FPOs by Krishikalpa. This initiative, also supported by NABARD (National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development), aims to transform FPOs into sustainable rural businesses, driving positive change in the agricultural ecosystem.

The launch event, held at the RV Dental Campus in JP Nagar, Bangalore, brought together key stakeholders in the agricultural sector for a day of collaboration and inspiration. The event celebrated the spirit of entrepreneurship within the FPO ecosystem and highlighted the critical role FPOs play in connecting farmers with markets and resources. Dignitaries including Shri Manoj Ahuja, Agri Secy, Govt. of India, Shri Shaji K V, Chairman NABARD, Smt Dr. Shalini Rajneesh, IAS, ACS & Development commissioner and Shri Ahteeq L K, ACS, IAS, Govt of Karnataka officially launched the accelerator program.

The program recognizes the critical role FPOs play in connecting farmers with markets and resources. However, many FPOs struggle with a lack of entrepreneurial skills and knowledge. Krishikalpa’s accelerator program addresses this gap by providing FPO leaders with:

● Market Orientation Training: Equipping FPOs to understand and navigate the market effectively.

● Output Business Development: Moving beyond input business and focusing on generating additional income for member farmers.

● Entrepreneurial Leadership Skills: Building the skills needed to run FPOs as successful businesses.

● Supply Chain Management: Optimizing FPO operations for efficiency and profitability.

● Market Linkages: Connecting FPOs with Agri-tech startups, processors, and ethical buyers.

“India’s first-ever accelerator program tailored for FPOs is a game-change in our quest to revolutionise rural economies. By empowering FPOs with essential entrepreneurial skills and market insights, Krishikalpa aims to catalyze a transformation towards sustainable and scalable rural businesses. NABARD’s commitment to rural development coupled with Krishikalpa’s comprehensive approach will ensure we are poised to drive positive change in the agricultural ecosystem, fostering resilience, prosperity, and sustainability for generations to come,” said Prashanth Prakash, Chairman, Krishikalpa

Launch Highlights:

● Welcome and Introduction: Krishikalpa CEO C.M. Patil welcomed attendees and provided an overview of Krishikalpa’s journey and the importance of the accelerator program.

● Program Details: Patil also detailed the overall program structure, the current state of FPOs across India and Karnataka, and the selection process used to choose the 30 FPOs participating in the accelerator.

● Program Launch: Dignitaries including Shri Manoj Ahuja, Agri Secy, Govt. of India, Shri Shaji Ji, Chairman NABARD, and Shri Ahteeq L K, ACS, IAS, Govt of Karnataka officially launched the accelerator program.

● Inaugural Panel Discussion: Titled ‘Harvesting FPOs Innovation: Empowering Rural Entrepreneurs in Agribusiness through FPO acceleration,’ the panel featured a distinguished group of experts including the aforementioned dignitaries and moderated by Shri Prashanth Prakash, founder Accel Partners & Chairman Krishikalpa. The discussion focused on fostering innovation and empowering rural entrepreneurs within the FPO space.

● Ecosystem Enablers Panel: A second panel discussion, titled “Ecosystem Enablers Role in Creating Sustainable FPOs Ecosystem Marking the New Chapter in Rural Transformation,” explored the roles of various stakeholders in supporting FPOs. Panelists included Shri Raman Reddy, Ex – IT & BT Secy, IAS Govt. of Karnataka, Shri Ramesh T, CGM NABARD, representatives from Agri-startup companies, FPOs, and banking institutions. The discussion was moderated by C.M. Patil.

● Experience Sharing: Shri Ikram, IAS, Finance Dept. Govt. of Karnataka, shared his valuable insights on the program’s evolution from concept to reality.

● Agri-Startup Showcase: Ten Agri-startup companies working with FPOs presented their solutions and how they are playing a catalytic role in uplifting the FPO ecosystem in association with Krishikalpa.

● Future Roadmap: CM Patil concluded the event by outlining the future roadmap for the program.