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HomePosts Tagged "Palladium"
Agribusiness, AgroPolicy, Collaborations, Finance, Trade

The workshop facilitated new partnerships between government bodies, financial institutions, and industry experts, setting the stage for a more robust and export-driven agricultural sector in Odisha.

The three-day Export Pathshala workshop, aimed at enhancing agri and allied exports through Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), successfully concluded. Organized by the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) in collaboration with Palladium Consulting India Private Limited (PCIPL), the workshop provided FPOs with critical insights and strategies to scale their businesses globally. The initiative convened policymakers, financial institutions, exporters, farmer producer organizations and supporting organizations to explore opportunities and solutions for strengthening India’s agri-export ecosystem. By equipping FPOs with expertise in export procedures, quality compliance, and market linkages, the workshop is set to enhance Odisha’s competitiveness in global markets for fruits, vegetables, and spices

Addressing the inaugural session, SK Talukdar, Chief General Manager, NABARD, underscored the significance of empowering FPOs with the right knowledge, infrastructure, and market access. He noted that capacity-building initiatives like Export Pathshala will enable smallholder farmers to directly connect with global buyers, ensuring better price realization and sustainable growth. Over the first two days, leading experts from NABARD, the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), the World Trade Centre, the Spices Board of India, Bank of Baroda, and panel of industry exporters provided practical training & had interactive discussions with participants on export documentation, compliance, and quality standards, post-harvest management and packaging for export readiness, value chain development for fruits, vegetables, and spices, and risk mitigation and export insurance for perishable goods. A field visit to PRB Super Foods in Khordha provided hands-on exposure to good packaging and logistics practices for large-scale agri-exports.

The final day featured knowledge-sharing sessions from successful FPO leaders across India. Md. Jabbar A Khan, CEO of Bhangar Vegetables Farmers’ Producer Company Ltd. from West Bengal, shared his journey of scaling up an FPO into a globally competitive agri-enterprise. Sahyadri Farmers Producer Company Ltd., Nasik, Maharashtra, conducted a virtual session led by its Director, Azhar Tambuwala, who highlighted best practices in handling, processing, and marketing fresh produce for export markets. Discussions also focused on export insurance for persihable items, led by Satyanarayan Nanda, Senior Vice President, Unilight Insurance Brokers Pvt. Ltd., emphasizing the need for risk management mechanisms in perishable commodity supply chains like fruits and vegetables and ways to safeguard farmers against export uncertainties.

The workshop concluded with an interactive discussion where participants reflected on key learnings, challenges, and the way forward. NABARD and Palladium outlined a comprehensive action plan to strengthen India’s agri-export ecosystem by fostering information exchange, identifying clusters for export-oriented production, leveraging export-support infrastructures, and strengthening supply chains through close collaboration with exporters. Shri Sitakanta Mandal, Regional Director (E.R.), APEDA, emphasized the significance of such initiatives, stating, “This is one of its kind workshop conducted for FPOs, focused on exports. I am sure the workshop will enable FPOs from Odisha to take up agricultural and horticultural exports to tap into remunerative markets. APEDA in collaboration with Government of Odisha, NABARD and Palladium would try its best to support these FPOs to scale new heights in global agri-trade.”

Key insights from the workshop highlighted the importance of training in compliance, packaging, and logistics for exports, as well as the need for effective post-harvest management, value addition, and stronger market linkages. The requirement of timely financial assistance and insurance support was also discussed, with experts emphasizing that access to export credit and risk mitigation strategies can empower FPOs in building global market linkages. The workshop facilitated new partnerships between government bodies, financial institutions, and industry experts, setting the stage for a more robust and export-driven agricultural sector in Odisha.

“Empowering FPOs with the right knowledge and resources is key to unlocking India’s agri-export potential. We organized the first-of-its-kind Export Pathshala to bridge the gap between farmers and global markets by providing practical insights into enhancing the export readiness of FPOs. Through such capacity-building initiatives, FPOs can build sustainable, market-driven agricultural enterprises. The success of this workshop reaffirms the importance of collaboration between FPOs, public-private institutions, and industry experts in strengthening Odisha’s agri-export ecosystem,” said Amit Patjoshi, CEO, Palladium.

“India has a great potential of exporting agricultural products and strengthening FPOs is crucial for enhancing this potential. That is why we have organized this Export Pathshala. By improving FPO infrastructure, we can equip farmers with the tools needed to compete in global markets. This workshop demonstrates the value of targeted capacity-building programs, and we see immense potential in replicating this model across other regions. By scaling up such initiatives, NABARD aims to create a nationwide network of export-ready FPOs, driving inclusive growth and positioning India as a strong player in the global agri-trade landscape,” said Dr. SKK Mishra, Chief General Manager/Officer-In-Charge, NABARD, Bhubaneswar.

The Export Pathshala has set the stage for expanding India’s agricultural footprint in international markets. By building capabilities, fostering collaborations, and ensuring market access, the initiative is poised to create a new generation of globally competitive farmer enterprises. With NABARD and Palladium leading the way, Odisha’s FPO-driven agri-export model could serve as a blueprint for other regions, transforming the country into a major force in global agricultural trade.

The workshop facilitated new partnerships between government

Agribusiness, Agrotech, Company News, Start ups

 The initiative fostered collaboration and innovation in agriculture, empowering Odisha’s FPOs with strategies for sustainable market linkages and global exports.

A six-day exposure visit to Sahyadri Farms, Maharashtra, concluded successfully, bringing together representatives of 19 Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) from Cuttack and Dhenkanal districts of Odisha. The visit, facilitated under the Support to FPO scheme, Government of Odisha was organized to provide hands-on insights into sustainable farming practices and FPO management, began on January 20, 2025, and was marked by high-level engagements and in-depth discussions.

The agenda seamlessly combined field visits, interactive discussions, and knowledge-sharing sessions. Participants from FPOs explored innovative practices like solar drying, algae production from wastewater, and advanced FMCG processing while witnessing Sahyadri Farms’ farmer-inclusive value chain initiatives. Supported by Palladium as the Technical Support Unit under the PSFPO project, Directorate of Horticulture, Odisha, the visit fostered collaboration and innovation in agriculture, empowering Odisha’s FPOs with strategies for sustainable market linkages and global exports.

One of the key highlights of the visit was the attendance of Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo, Deputy Chief Minister-cum-Minister of Agriculture and Farmers’ Empowerment & Energy. He was accompanied by Dr Arabinda Kumar Padhee, IAS, Principal Secretary to the Government, DA&FE, Prem Chandra Chaudhary, IAS, Director of Agriculture and Food Production and Nikhil Pavan Kalyan, IAS, Director of Horticulture and Dr Monica Priyadarshini, IAS, Director, Mission Shakti. The dignitaries and senior officials, actively participated in scheduled activities, aligning discussions with Odisha’s agricultural growth objectives.

Speaking about the visit, Vilas Shinde, CMD, Sahyadri Farms, said, “We are deeply grateful to the Government of Odisha and the PSFPO team for their proactive role in organizing this successful exposure visit. It was a pleasure to host such an enthusiastic group of FPO representatives and dignitaries from the state. We look forward to collaborating further with the Government of Odisha to replicate the Sahyadri model and empower farmers in the state with sustainable practices and value chain development strategies.”

Key action points discussed during the visit focused on replicating the Sahyadri Farms model in Odisha by leveraging government support through initiatives such as land allocation, subsidies, and initial investments. Emphasis was placed on selecting suitable horticulture crops, including pineapple, citrus, banana, mango, and guava, to promote sustainable farming and enhance market relevance. To build awareness and facilitate informed decision-making, it was proposed to organize a presentation by Sahyadri Farms for agri-ecosystem stakeholders in Odisha and arrange another exposure visit for policymakers. The formation of crop-specific farmer groups, including women farmers and Self-Help Groups (SHGs), was highlighted as a critical step toward strengthening community involvement. Lastly, a strong focus was placed on ensuring the production and supply of high-quality produce to maintain competitiveness in the market.

Looking forward, the state will continue to conduct exposure visits and market-oriented training for 250 Farmers Producer Organizations across the state in the upcoming months under the Support to FPO scheme by Government of Odisha.

 The initiative fostered collaboration and innovation in

Fruits, India, Supply Chain, Trade

APEDA Partners with Odisha’s Directorate of Horticulture and Department of Agriculture to expand FPOs’ Global Market Reach with Palladium as Technical Support Unit.

 The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) and the Directorate of Horticulture with support from Palladium as the technical support unit (TSU) of the Promotion and Stabilization of Farmer Producer Organizations (PSFPO) project facilitated first ever export of dragon fruits from Patnagarh, Balangir district of Odisha to Dubai. Around 4 Quintals of premium quality organically grown dragon fruit has been supplied to Dubai through Bhubaneswar International Airport on 4th Sep 2024

 Deputy Chief Minister K V Singh Deo, Principal Secretary Dr Arabinda K Padhee, IAS, Director of Horticulture Nikhil Pavan Kalyan, IAS, Regional Director of APEDA Sitakanta Mandal, Associate Director of Palladium Biswajit Behera, along with the team members of PSFPO, representatives from the Airport Authority of India, World Trade Centre, and VeloExim flagged off the consignment at the airport.

The Dragon fruits, known for their vibrant red flesh and superior size were meticulously cultivated using organic practices. Despite their quality, local market saturation had led to low prices—ranging from Rs 120 to 160 per kg. However, this export initiative has elevated the status of Dragon fruit, fetching a price of Rs 250 to 260 per kg in the international market.

Deputy Chief Minister K.V. Singh Deo, expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration, highlighting its significant impact on the state’s agricultural exports. He stated, “Organic dragon fruits have shown tremendous benefits for cancer patients and have also been effective in reducing blood pressure, managing sugar levels, and combating other diseases. I am optimistic that these fresh and organic products will reach every household, contributing to better health outcomes. Additionally, I look forward to expanding exports to Southeast Asian countries where there is high demand. I am deeply grateful to APEDA, the Directorate of Horticulture, and Palladium India for making this export a reality.”

Biswajit Behera, Associate Director of Palladium, shared his thoughts on the successful export initiative, stating, “Palladium through its Market System Development (MSD) approach has been supporting FPOs to supply to the export markets by ensuring required quality control in place. Since the export journey began in May this year, we have facilitated FPOs to export products from several districts of Odisha to seven different countries across the globe. We are thrilled that fruit crops like dragon fruits, produced in Odisha, have now gained the recognition they deserve and are being sold with around 100 per cent incremental price value in the international market. Being fully organic, these dragon fruits offer numerous health benefits, and we are excited to see people across the globe enjoying them. Looking forward to increase the export connect for spices, floriculture, millets in addition to fresh vegetables in times to come.”

This achievement reflects the tireless efforts of Palladium India, which has been working closely with the Odisha government to strengthen the Farmer’s ecosystem. Their initiatives include upskilling farmers, enhancing supply chains, and facilitating market development. Notably, through collaboration with APEDA, they have successfully exported mangoes and vegetables in recent months. Future plans include expanding exports to new markets and initiating spice exports to the European Union.

APEDA Partners with Odisha's Directorate of Horticulture

Agribusiness, Horticulture, India, Supply Chain, Trade, Vegetables

This strategic export has helped three FPOs achieve 30-40 per cent increased price realisation boosting income and economic stability for farming communities.

The Department of Agriculture and Farmers’ Empowerment, Odisha is promoting cultivation of vegetables in cluster-mode across Odisha. Palladium as the Technical Support Unit under Directorate of Horticulture, Department of Agriculture & Farmers’ Empowerment together with APEDA, ORMAS and NABARD, has opened doors for Odisha’s farmers to global markets by enabling export of fresh vegetables produce.

Once known to be part of remote KBK region, today three Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) from Titlagarh and Loisingha blocks of Balangir district namely Jaden Farmer Producer Company, Krushak Unnayan Sangathan Farmer Producer Company, and Undher Farmer Producer Company have exported 800 kilograms of high-quality fresh vegetables including Pointed Gourd, Okra, Bitter Gourd, and Ivy Gourd to Dubai.

“Today is a proud day for Balangir district, as fresh vegetables from this district is being exported to Dubai. This has been possible because of the handholding support and constant encouragement of PSFPO team from Palladium. I would like to thank the local farmers, FPOs, local NGO, NABARD, ORMAS and district horticultural officers because of whose support and cooperation this was possible. I hope that this initiative continues” said, Prafulla Kumar Bhanja, Deputy Director Horticulture, Balangir.

“It is for the first time that fresh vegetables from the district have reached the international market through export. I want to thank local NGO ASSA, ORMAS, NABARD, District agriculture and horticulture officials, Department of Agriculture and Farmers’ empowerment and special thanks to Palladium for providing end-to end support under the PSFPO project for facilitating the export. As a result of this initiative, 4 FPOs in the district will now be able to supply fresh vegetables to Dubai for the upcoming 12 weeks”. Kamalendu Paul, Joint CEO, ORMAS, Balangir.

“The export will benefit the members of FPO as the farmer will get nearly 25 per cent more than the farm gate and the FPO will also earn a profit of 25 per cent, which excludes transportation and other expenses that will be borne by the exporter. NABARD, Odisha RO as a pilot, has selected three Northern Odisha districts i.e Mayurbhanj, Keonjhar and Balasore for cultivation of three vegetables such as okra, bitter gourd and long beans through NABARD promoted FPOs for export to Dubai. Accordingly, one-day sensitization workshop involving APEDA, Directorate of Horticulture, NABARD, FPO members & CBBO/POPI representatives of respective FPOs was conducted on 18 July 2024 at Baripada, Mayurbhanj district.” Dr. Sudhanshu K. K. Mishra, Chief General Manager, NABARD.

Palladium’s marketing and capacity building support has opened global markets for these FPOs, enabling them to supply fresh vegetables to international markets year-round. This strategic export has helped three FPOs – one of which is an all women FPO, achieve 30-40 per cent increased price realization boosting income and economic stability for farming communities.

“By enabling small holder farmers including women farmers to access international markets, we are not only ensuring higher price realizations but also setting the stage for a new revolution in agriculture. Women farmers, when given the right opportunities, can drive significant economic and social change. By focusing on women-led FPOs, Palladium wants to tap into the power of inclusivity and empowerment in driving sustainable development.” adds Biswajit Behera, Associate Director, Palladium.

This strategic export has helped three FPOs

AgroPolicy, Fruits, Horticulture, India, Supply Chain, Trade, Vegetables

The workshop focused on educating FPOs about the processes and opportunities in the export market.

NABARD, in partnership with the Department of Agriculture and Farmers’ Empowerment, Govt. of Odisha, Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) and Palladium organized a strategy workshop in Mayurbhanj of Odisha for Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) on exporting fresh vegetables from Mayurbhanj, Keonjhar, and Balasore districts in north zone of the state. Facilitated by Palladium as Technical Support Unit (TSU) to the Directorate of Horticulture, Odisha, the event aimed to enhance the export potential of fresh vegetables from the region.

The workshop focused on educating FPOs about the processes and opportunities in the export market, with a specific goal of exporting okra, bitter gourd, and long beans to Dubai within the next six months, as per the demand. In last three months, for the first time, eight FPOs exported over 86 quintals of mangoes and fresh vegetables to seven countries in the Middle East and Europe – United Kingdom, Italy, Ireland, Poland, Qatar and UAE.

Many esteemed speakers, including exporters, representatives from NABARD, APEDA, State and district officials from the department and Palladium graced the event. The inaugural session included opening remarks and special addresses from dignitaries, followed by informative sessions led by Dr. Sudhanshu K.K. Mishra (CGM NABARD), APEDA’s Regional Head, Sitakanta Mandal, Palladium’s Associate Director, Biswajit Behera and representatives from export houses. The workshop saw an active interaction of representatives from FPOs with other stakeholders.  Mahila Pragati Farmer Producer Company Limited, a successful FPO from Rayagada, presented its success story and the plan for diversifying into other commodities for export. The all women FPO with over 1900 members has recently been exporting mangoes and fresh vegetables.

Addressing the inaugural session, Dr. Sudhanshu K.K Mishra, CGM NABARD, said “Three areas are key to boost export in the state – strengthening supply to meet market demand, adherence to international quality standards, and role of packaging. The markets are demanding, and only good quality produce will fetch remunerative prices. NABARD along with APEDA, Department of Agriculture and Farmers’ Empowerment and Palladium, will focus on the value-chain development in fruits and vegetables to increase export of fresh produce from the state.”

Biswajit Behera, Associate Director, Palladium said, “Facilitating export of fresh produce from Odisha is one of the key focus areas of the state government as it is facilitating cold-chain facilities across the state to boost export from the state. Palladium is working closely with the FPOs in the state to make the farmers market-ready and the FPOs supply ready”. He further added, “Palladium is facilitating multiple stakeholder consultations to develop concrete action plans and roadmap for export. Moreover, the team is working with the Government, APEDA, NABARD and exporters to identify and bridge the gaps in exporting fresh produce from the state.”

Sitakanta Mandal, Regional Manager APEDA said, “Production planning, infrastructure support and training and handholding FPOs is crucial for strengthening supply of fresh produce from FPOs to international markets. To achieve this, we need to adopt a collaborative approach with the key stakeholders. Our next focus would be to conduct a state-level export sensitization workshop to provide technical handholding to FPOs in Odisha on export process and potential.”

The workshop focused on educating FPOs about

Company News, Fruits, Horticulture, India, Supply Chain, Trade

Odisha’s Horticulture Directorate and APEDA collaborated with Palladium as a technical partner to boost farmers’ incomes by exploring new export avenues for fresh produce.

Palladium, under the Promotion & Stabilization of Farmer Producer Organizations (PSFPO) Project, has achieved a significant milestone by supporting the Mahila Kisan Farmer Producer Company (MKFPCL) from Rayagada in exporting 9.5 Quintals of Amrapalli mangoes from Odisha to London. This is an all-women farmer producer company promoted by PRADAN under the Agricultural Production Cluster scheme of the Department of Agriculture and Farmers’ Empowerment, Odisha. This landmark export has resulted in a remarkable 40 per cent increase in price realisation for more than 1900 women farmers involved.

“We didn’t anticipate that mangoes from our FPO would reach global markets. Through this linkage, we have learned that the demand for mangoes in international markets is high. By adopting best packaging practices, gaining access to storage infrastructure, and using quality packaging materials, we believe we can establish sustainable market linkages through export” said Gita Nimhala, Board of Director, MKFPCL, Bankili, Rayagada.

Celebrating this milestone, Biswajit Behera, Director, Palladium India also added “By focusing on women-led FPOs, we are tapping into a transformative potential within the agriculture sector. By enabling these women farmers to access international markets, we are not only ensuring higher price realizations but also setting the stage for a new revolution in agriculture. Women farmers, when given the right opportunities, can drive significant economic and social change. This initiative is a testament to the power of inclusivity and empowerment in driving sustainable development.”

In another noteworthy achievement under the PSFPO project, Palladium successfully facilitated the export of 7.5 quintals of premium mango varieties, including Amrapali, Mallika, Chousa, Himsagar, Baiganpali, and Latsundari. These mangoes were showcased at the prestigious Indian Mango Festival (Indian Hamba) in Doha, Qatar, from May 30 to June 8, 2024. 

Palladium, engaged as the Technical Support Unit under the Directorate of Horticulture Odisha, in collaboration with the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), is actively exploring new export avenues for fresh produce from the state. This initiative not only promises to boost farmers’ incomes but also enhances their market reach, both domestically and globally.

“Palladium, under the PSFPO project, strives to provide holistic support to Odisha’s FPOs. Key initiatives include organizing field visits for exporters, sending mango samples to exporters, and coordinating with the FPOs after receiving indents from exporters. Palladium also educates, sensitizes, and supports farmers on procuring, processing techniques, grading and sorting, packaging and cargo shipment of mangoes, thereby ensuring adherence to international quality standards and proper post-harvest management practices to maintain the quality of produce. While PSFPO provides end-to-end support to facilitate export of fresh produce from the state through FPOs, the ultimate goal is to guide the FPOs in these endeavours, ensuring they become familiar with the processes. Through these comprehensive efforts, Palladium not only connects Odisha FPOs with highly remunerative international markets helping farmers achieve better prices through value addition at farm level, but also promotes social inclusiveness by engaging women farmers and socio-economically marginalized farming communities, alongside private sector players”, said Debarati Ghatak, Private Sector Engagement specialist, PSFPO.

Odisha's Horticulture Directorate and APEDA collaborated with