This event served as a critical platform for knowledge exchange, business networking, and policy discussions focused on enhancing agricultural exports and integrating smallholder farmers into global value chains.

Bhubaneswar, India | January 31, 2025 - In a landmark achievement for farmer-led enterprises, three Farmer Producer Companies (FPCs) from Odisha were recognized at the prestigious Farmers Business Summit & Leadership Award 2025, organized by the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) in Gosaba, West Bengal. Hosted in collaboration with the Government of West Bengal, ICAR-NBFGR, and the State Bank of India, the summit brought together FPCs from 12 Indian states and over 1,200 farmers. This event served as a critical platform for knowledge exchange, business networking, and policy discussions focused on enhancing agricultural exports and integrating smallholder farmers into global value chains.

For the first time, Odisha's FPCs—Madanamohana Farmers Producer Cooperative Society Ltd, Sabujabisoi Farmer Producer Company Limited, and Sabujasanatanpali Farmer Producer Company Limited—were honored with Leadership Awards for their excellence in collective marketing, value addition, and leadership in agricultural exports.
"We never imagined that fresh mangoes from our farms could reach international markets. This recognition is a source of motivation for other farmers in the state. We thank the Government of Odisha, Palladium, and APEDA for their invaluable support," said Prabhat Mahapatra, CEO, Madanamohana Farmer Producer Cooperative Society Ltd, Odisha.
The awards mark a turning point in Odisha's agricultural landscape. Until recently, FPOs in the state faced significant challenges in accessing profitable markets. However, through strategic interventions, these organizations have successfully positioned their produce—including fresh mangoes—on the global stage, improving price realization and market access for smallholder farmers.
Palladium, in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture & Farmers' empowerment, Government of Odisha and APEDA, shas played a pivotal role in this transformation. Through targeted initiatives, Palladium has facilitated the mobilization and market-oriented capacity-building of FPOs along with creating sustainable export linkages with remunerative international markets. This has not only improved the profitability and competitiveness of Odisha's smallholder farmers but has also reinforced the state's position as an emerging hub for high-quality agricultural exports.
The recognition of Odisha's FPCs highlights the potential of farmer-led enterprises in integrating smallholder farmers into global supply chains. Strengthening FPOs with access to international markets, financial linkages, and technical expertise can enhance rural incomes, drive inclusive economic growth, and support sustainable development goals.
At the summit, Debarati Ghatak, Private Sector Engagement Specialist at Palladium, emphasized, "Palladium is proud to support and celebrate the achievements of Odisha's FPCs. By providing them with essential guidance and resources, we are committed to enhancing their global market presence and ensuring their long-term sustainability in competitive agricultural trade."
As Odisha emerges as a key player in India's agricultural export landscape, its success story serves as an inspiration for farmer cooperatives worldwide. State government's ongoing initiatives, such as the Promotion and Stabilization of Farmer Producer Organizations in Odisha, are ensuring that smallholder farmers receive the necessary support to thrive in competitive markets. These efforts contribute to improved income opportunities for rural farmers, stronger market resilience against price fluctuations and sustainable business models for FPOs and farmer collectives.
With continued investment in capacity-building, policy support, and market integration, Odisha's success reinforces the need for global collaboration to empower smallholder farmers, strengthen agribusiness ecosystems, and drive sustainable rural development.
As the state prepares for the upcoming mango harvesting season, this achievement sets the stage for more FPOs to explore international market opportunities, adopt best practices, and contribute to a more inclusive global agricultural trade system.