Arya.ag launches initiative to transform 200 FPOs into smart institutions

Agritech startup Arya.ag has announced an initiative to transform 200 Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) into Smart Institutions by leveraging technology and strategic collaborations. Launched at the Rith Summit 2.0, this initiative aims to empower FPOs by enhancing operational efficiency, promoting sustainable farming, and developing climate-resilient value chains.

Prasanna Rao, CEO and Co-Founder of Arya.ag, emphasized the significance of the program, stating, “We believe FPCs can evolve into Smart Institutions, which leverage technology to improve efficiency in input sales and output procurement and offer a diverse range of services. Smart FPCs will also play a crucial role in building climate-resilient value chains by promoting sustainable farming practices and through corporate collaborations to support sustainable sourcing of produce."

The 200 Smart FPOs initiative will focus on FPOs across Bihar, Jharkhand, Gujarat, Assam, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Karnataka. Arya.ag will work closely with these FPOs, providing them with access to technologies, training, and support to enhance their capabilities and drive sustainable growth, according to a company press release.

Jai Prakash Yadav, an FPO leader, highlighted the impact of Arya.ag's support, saying, "Through Arya.ag, we were able to connect with agricultural centres for soil testing and provide training to farmers, empowering them to adopt sustainable farming practices."

Arya.ag will implement its agritech solutions to equip FPCs with tools for scaling operations and improving efficiency. The initiative will also provide AI-powered crop advisory services to enable data-driven decision-making and optimize farming practices. Moreover, Arya.ag will facilitate digital record-keeping of farming practices to ensure traceability and transparency throughout the value chain.

A significant aspect of the initiative is the creation of a platform to connect all stakeholders, including climate champions (corporates supporting the purchase of sustainable produce), to facilitate the trade of sustainably produced commodities.

Anand Chandra, Executive Director of Arya.ag, said, "We believe that only a market-led model will enable FPOs to become a hub for sustainable practices. But we also need the FPOs to be ready for the market. The 200 Smart FPOs initiative reflects our commitment to driving sustainable agriculture and empowering these farming communities into Smart Institutions."

The initiative has garnered support from government agencies, development organizations, and corporate partners. The initiative is expected to benefit thousands of farmers and contribute to the development of a more sustainable and resilient agricultural ecosystem in India.