VAMNICOM, in partnership with a-IDEA from ICAR-NAARM, Hyderabad, and NABARD, organized the Startup-FPO Immersion Programme at its campus, aiming to foster collaboration between startups and Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs).
The event, held on March 2, 2024, brought together 21 startups incubated by a-IDEA NAARM, Hyderabad, and VAMNICOM Incubation Centre, along with 38 FPOs and Collective members from Maharashtra, under the auspices of NABARD.
The primary objective of the programme was to create a networking platform for startups and FPOs, facilitating exchanges on technologies, products, and services. Startups had the opportunity to pitch their innovative business models focusing on production, processing, value addition, technological interventions, logistics, supply chain, weather and market forecasting, green energy, waste management, quality assessment, grading, and standardization.
Inaugurated in the esteemed presence of dignitaries including the GM of NABARD, Pune, Dr. Pradip Parate, MD of MAHAFPC, Pune, Mr. Yogesh Thorat, Director of ATARI, Pune, Dr. S.K. Roy, Joint Director of ICAR-NAARM, Hyderabad, Dr. G. Venkateshwarlu, CEO of a-IDEA, Dr. S. Senthil Vinayagam, and other distinguished guests, the event commenced with a warm welcome address by Dr. S. Senthil Vinayagam, setting the tone for the collaborative efforts ahead.
GM NABARD, Dr. Pradip Parate, emphasized the imperative need for cooperation between FPOs and startups, stressing the importance of production and market linkage models to enhance business activities and ensure sustainable income sources for both entities.
The programme witnessed enthusiastic participation from startups, FPOs, and collectives, showcasing a diverse range of innovative solutions and business models. Dr. Prashant Kadam, Professor at VAMNICOM, expressed gratitude to all participants and organizations involved, underscoring the importance of such initiatives in driving business diversification and income generation.
Dr. Hema Yadav, Director of VAMNICOM, provided valuable support and guidance for the successful implementation of the Startup-FPO Immersion Programme, highlighting the institution’s commitment to fostering entrepreneurship and innovation in the agricultural sector.
Overall, the event served as a dynamic platform for knowledge exchange, collaboration, and fostering innovation-driven growth in the agriculture sector, paving the way for future partnerships and initiatives in the domain.