On 27th February 2020, the Farmers Producer Organizations (FPOs) promoted by DHAN Foundation had a great opportunity to explore for market linkages via the ‘Buyer Seller Meet’ organized by National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) at Chennai. Leading Products from our FPOs namely Jamunamarathur Farmer Producer Company Limited, Jawadhu Hills Farmer Producer Company Limited, Pudhur Nadu Farmer Producer Company Limited, Tirumangalam Farmer Producer Company Limited, and Peraiyur Farmer Producer Company Limited have been displayed to explore for the market linkages. Samples of Minor Millet rice, Millet mix powder, Ragi powder of DHANADHANYA Brand were displayed.

Participants from NABARD funded Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) from different parts of Tamil Nadu and also the Agri-Produce bulk buyers took part in the event. The agenda of the meet is to create a platform where buyers and FPOs interact with each other.

Interaction with the buyers was categorized into three categories: 1. Coconut and other oils 2. Spices, Millets&Other Cereals including Organic Produce 3. Fruits and Vegetables. The buyer-seller interaction meeting was chaired by T. Ramesh General Manager of NABARD, Dr.K.S. Mahesh CFO of NABKISAN Finance Ltd, Mr.Shivakumar, CEO of Madurai Agribusiness Incubation Forum. Mr. T. Ramesh addressed the various issues faced by FPOs, elaborated on the different approaches to increase the business opportunities of Producer Companies and explained about various initiatives undertaken by the Tamil Nadu state government and NABARD to promote the Farmer Producer Companies. Dr.K.S Mahesh, CFO of NABKISAN Finance Ltd detailed the eligibility criteria and procedure to be followed by FPOS to avail credit facilities from NABKISAN. Mr.Shivakumar, CEO of the Madurai Agribusiness Incubation Forum presented the activities of MABIF – how MABIF helps FPO on Trademark registration, Pattern Registration and Pattering new varieties of Farmers – and various Agribusiness opportunities for FPOs available.