Raghunath B, Chief General Manager of NABARD, inaugurated the NABARD FPO Mela titled ‘Tarang – Celebrating Collectivisation’ on 1st March 2024. NABARD is organizing ‘Tarang’ in association with Small Farmers’ Agribusiness Consortium (SFAC) and Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) at Lajpat Rai Bhawan, Sector 15, Chandigarh from 01st March 2024 to 03rd March 2024.

Raghunath welcomed all FPO/OFPO members

During the inauguration, Raghunath extended a warm welcome to all FPO/OFPO members attending the FPO Mela. He emphasized that such events serve as platforms to showcase agricultural innovations, technologies, and best practices, ultimately enhancing productivity and sustainability in farming. The purpose of the FPO Mela, entitled ‘Tarang – Celebrating Collectivisation,’ is multifaceted. Not only does it aim to demonstrate FPO products, but it also facilitates marketing and brand building initiatives. Furthermore, it seeks to bolster sales nationwide, leveraging the ONDC network for greater outreach and impact.

Mela aims to provide a platform for farmers

R. P. Singh, General Manager, articulated that the Mela aims to provide a platform for farmers to directly connect with buyers and consumers (B2B & B2C), access markets more effectively, and negotiate better prices for their produce. Moreover, he advised FPOs to focus on branding, packaging, and quality to meet customer requirements.

Furthermore, the integration of online marketing with offline modes is pivotal for business diversification and expansion. Additionally, representatives from SFAC, ONDC, and Mystore app were present at the event. They offered guidance to participants concerning business expansion opportunities and provided details about ONDC onboarding.

CGM and GM visited each  stall and interacted with farmers

After the inaugural function of the mela, the CGM and GM proceeded to visit each stall. They engaged with farmers and artisans, discussing their products and marketing strategies. The CGM, in particular, encouraged all participants to pursue grand sales, explore new business avenues, and pursue future endeavors.

A total of 42 FPOs/OFPOs from Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Jammu & Kashmir, promoted by NABARD & SFAC, are actively participating in the three-day mela at Chandigarh. These FPO/OFPOs have brought a wide range of farm and non-farm products such as Rice, Mustard oil, Honey, Turmeric, Spices, Pickles, Jaggery products, Phulkari items, Pashmina, Embroidery Shawls and Stoles, Durries, Carpets, and more for display and sale at the mela. Moreover, the farm produce includes millet-based products and organic produce.

The Officials urged the visitors and all to visit the Mela

The Officials urged the visitors and all to visit the Mela and encourage the rural farmers and artisans and enjoy the shopping of the various farm and non-farm produce.The promoter partners of the event, Radio Mirchi (98.3 FM), schedule live performances by RJ/Singer/Musician/Artists every evening at ‘Tarang’. Visitors can enjoy these performances from 01st to 03rd March 2024, between 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM.