The School of Livelihood and Rural Development (SLRD), in collaboration with ICAR-ATARI Zone VII successfully organized a one-day training workshop on “Produce Aggregation” on March 27, 2025, at the Marngar Cluster Farmers Producer Multipurpose Cooperative Society Ltd. The event aimed to equip farmers and stakeholders with effective strategies to streamline the collection, organization, and distribution of agricultural products, enhancing their access to larger markets in a sustainable manner.
Empowering Farmers Through Knowledge
The workshop focused on addressing critical challenges faced by smallholder farmers, cooperatives, and agribusinesses in bringing their produce to market efficiently. Through insightful sessions, participants learned about methods to improve price competitiveness, reduce post-harvest losses, and enhance overall agricultural productivity. The workshop also emphasized the importance of quality assurance, logistics, and farmer-led cooperatives in creating a sustainable agricultural ecosystem.
Key Objectives of the Workshop
The primary goals of the training were:
- Enhancing Market Access – Teaching farmers how aggregation can help them meet market demands in terms of both quantity and quality.
- Improving Price Competitiveness – Empowering farmers with knowledge to negotiate better prices and reduce dependency on middlemen.
- Reducing Post-Harvest Losses – Demonstrating proper storage, handling, and transportation techniques.
- Ensuring Quality and Standardization – Encouraging farmers to follow grading and sorting protocols to boost buyer confidence.
- Strengthening Farmer Organizations – Promoting cooperative management for better market leverage.
- Supporting Value Addition – Educating participants on collective investment in processing and branding for increased profitability.
Session Highlights
The workshop began with an in-depth discussion led by Mr. Pijo Peter, Senior Manager Procurement from AVT McCormick Ingredients Pvt. Ltd., Kochi, Kerala. His presentation provided valuable insights into produce aggregation, including real-world examples and best practices.
Post-lunch, an interactive session allowed farmers to engage with Mr. Peter, asking questions and seeking guidance on implementing the discussed strategies
Key Achievements
The workshop resulted in several significant outcomes:
- Knowledge and Awareness: Farmers gained a deeper understanding of market trends, pricing, and quality control mechanisms.
- Capacity Building: Training on cooperative management, financial planning, and digital tools enhanced participants’ skills.
- Networking and Collaboration: Strengthened relationships between farmers, buyers, and policymakers.
- Policy and Strategy Development: Discussions on government policies and the formulation of actionable plans for better aggregation.
- Economic and Market Impact: Improved market access and price negotiations, reducing post-harvest losses and increasing farmer profitability.
SLRD’s Commitment to Sustainable Agriculture
SLRD remains committed to empowering farmers by providing essential training programs and workshops. By focusing on practical solutions, the organization continues to foster sustainable agricultural development, ensuring that smallholder farmers can compete in larger markets while maintaining economic stability.
This workshop on produce aggregation marked yet another step in SLRD’s mission to enhance rural livelihoods through education, skill-building, and collaborative efforts. With such initiatives, SLRD is driving change in the agricultural sector, paving the way for increased productivity, profitability, and sustainable trade practices.