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 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.

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.