Udalguri-Sonitpur, May 27: A capacity-building programme aimed at enhancing the export potential of agricultural and horticultural products from the Northeastern region was organised at Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Lalpul in Udalguri on May 26.
The programme, titled “Empowering FPOs/FPCs of North Eastern Region: Capacity Building Program for Agri-Horti Exports”, brought together nearly 100 participants, including farmers, agri-entrepreneurs and representatives of various Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) and Farmer Producer Companies (FPCs).
During the programme, Udalguri Sub-Divisional Agriculture Officer Kulendra Deka welcomed participants and highlighted several government initiatives associated with agricultural exports. He also emphasised the role of FPOs and FPCs in strengthening the agricultural ecosystem and discussed efforts being made to improve supply chain systems across the region.
Senior Scientist and Head of KVK Udalguri, Dr Diganta Sharma, stressed the importance of adopting scientific farming practices, strengthening production systems and maintaining strict quality standards to ensure local agricultural and horticultural products remain competitive in global markets.
Dr Sanju Adhikari from APEDA’s Guwahati Regional Office attended the event as the chief resource person and conducted a technical session on “APEDA’s Role in Agri-Export and Financial Assistance Scheme (FAS)”.
During his presentation, he explained APEDA’s role in promoting exports of agricultural and processed food products and discussed financial assistance schemes, certification procedures, packaging systems, storage requirements, quality standards and opportunities for market linkages with international buyers.
The programme offered practical guidance to farmers and representatives of FPOs and FPCs on export-oriented agriculture, quality production and market connectivity. Speakers also encouraged participants to promote organic and distinctive agricultural products from the Northeast in international markets with the objective of increasing farmers’ incomes and contributing to regional economic growth.
