Kerala Agricultural University to Continue Support for Agri-Enterprises and FPOs in Value Addition

The Kerala Agricultural University (KAU) has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting enterprises that convert agricultural produce into value-added goods. Speaking at a Merit Day event organised by the university's Agri Business Incubator (ABI), Vice-Chancellor T. Sajitha Rani stated that the institution aims to generate income and employment opportunities through this targeted support.

According to the Vice-Chancellor, the ABI has functioned as a model facility by offering farmers, entrepreneurs, and Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) essential training, technical assistance, entrepreneurial guidance, incubation, and mentoring. The incubator also assists stakeholders in accessing domestic and international markets while strengthening broader market linkages.

The event was held to honour students demonstrating academic excellence in the agriculture and food sector, alongside state-level award-winning entrepreneurs and FPOs. During the proceedings, Devika K. R. and Nandana P. M. were recognized as rank holders of the Post Graduate Diploma in Food Industry Management and Quality Control.

Detailing the institutional framework, Binoo P. Bonny, Director of Extension at KAU, explained that the university prioritises capacity building, technical support, and entrepreneurship development for FPOs. Initiatives like the FPO Linkage Programme are specifically designed to connect farmer collectives with relevant markets and institutions, transforming them into sustainable agricultural enterprises.

Highlighting the tangible outcomes of these efforts, K. P. Sudheer, Professor and Head of ABI, pointed to the success stories of enterprises supported by the incubator. Juz Crush, a fruit and vegetable processing venture, leveraged support from RKVY-RAFTAAR and the PMFME Common Incubation Facility to enhance its processing capabilities, market its value-added goods, and successfully export to multiple international markets.

Another notable beneficiary cited was the PALA Santhom Factory FPO, which was awarded the state-level title for Best FPO following training, capacity-building, and entrepreneurship support from the ABI. K. P. Sudheer noted that these recognitions serve as proof of the incubator's practical impact on the ground.

"The focus of Kerala Agricultural University on bridging the gap between raw agricultural production and value addition is a crucial step for the agrarian economy. By leveraging incubation facilities, technical support, and structured programmes like the FPO Linkage Programme, farmer collectives and early-stage ventures can successfully scale operations, improve product quality, and access international markets. Institutional backing is vital for transforming traditional farming into sustainable, market-ready business enterprises." — Dr. Shishir Gupta, Founder & CEO, StartupLanes