Digital Green Trust’s workshop spotlighted AI, data, and grassroots collaboration to empower Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) across Madhya Pradesh

Digital Green Trust organized a state-level workshop titled “Harnessing Data to Unlock Digital Opportunities for FPOs” at Hotel Regenta Palace, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh. The workshop brought together over 80 representatives from Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) and NGOs across Madhya Pradesh, as well as more than 20 key stakeholders from government, research, and financial institutions.

Objectives:
The workshop served as a platform for dialogue and collaboration around digital inclusion. Participants explored how technology can enable FPOs to operate more efficiently, connect with support systems, and scale their impact.

Project Overview:
The event was part of the Empowering Farmers with Agency, Resilience, and Markets (eFarm) project, supported by the Walmart Foundation. The project aims to equip small-scale farmers with digital tools and training to strengthen FPOs and promote data-driven decision-making. It addresses the digital divide in rural communities, empowering FPOs and making small-scale farming more viable. Additionally, it promotes sustainable agriculture aligned with food security, climate action, and gender equity.

Speakers:

Mr. Kamal Jain, Dy Director Agriculture, Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Govt. of Madhya Pradesh

Mr. Ashish Jaiswal, Asst Director, Spices Board

Mr. Yogesh Dwivedi, CEO, Madhya Bharat Consortium for Farmer Producer Company Ltd.

Ms. Nidhi Bhasin, CEO, Digital Green Trust

Collaborators:
The event saw active participation from various Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and Resource Institutions (RIs) including Action for Social Advancement (ASA), SRIJAN, MBCFPCL, Ashok and Shakti Agritech, Reliance Foundation, Access Development Services, PRADAN, Chintan, TRIF, WWF, SAMARTHAN, and CGEM.

Key Discussions:
Experts emphasized the potential of digitization to enhance operational efficiency, financial access, and market linkages for FPOs. The workshop featured panel discussions and interactive sessions on data collection, analysis, and application in decision-making. FPO members shared real-world examples of leveraging data-driven insights for growth.

Innovative Solutions:
eFarm, an ERP tool for FPOs, was highlighted as a transformative approach to modernizing agriculture. Additionally, Farmer.Chat, an AI-powered platform offering 24/7 hyperlocal agricultural advice, was introduced, particularly focusing on inclusivity and support for women farmers.

Outcomes:
The workshop underscored the need for collaboration between government institutions, technology providers, research institutes, and grassroots organizations. It highlighted the importance of creating a digital ecosystem that supports FPOs in their growth journey.

Conclusion:
The workshop marked a significant step towards digitally empowering FPOs in Madhya Pradesh. By integrating technology and data-driven practices, FPOs can achieve greater resilience, sustainability, and market access.