A Training-cum-Workshop on “Strengthening Women Farmer Producer Organizations (WFPOs) for Promoting Agri-preneurship in Convergence Mode” under ICAR-NASF project was organized by ICAR-CIWA, Bhubaneswar on 21th October, 2022 in Tentalpur village under Nischintakoili block, Cuttack district of Odisha. The Training-cum-Workshop was attended by about 70 participants including scientists of ICAR-CIWA, farm women, farmers, Personnel from Line Department, Personnel from NIGAM NGO, Odisha Diary and Media Personnel.

At the outset, Dr. Lipi Das Principal Scientist (Agril. Extension) and PI of the project welcomed all participants and described about strengthening Women Farmer Producer Organizations (WFPOs) “Ananaya Farmer Producer Company Limited “for Promoting Agri-preneurship in Convergence Mode. She encouraged the farm women to prepare different value added products from vegetables, fruits, rice, mushroom and milk and linking those products to market through WFPOs in convergence mode. She also discussed about role of farm women to build an Atmanirbhar Bharat by the help of WFPOs.

Dr. Biswanath Sahoo, Principal Scientist, Animal Nutrition explained about role of women FPOs in promoting dairy entrepreneurship and self-reliance (Atmanirbhar). He highlighted about scientific method of preparation of different value added products from milk and their market linkage through WFPOs to get maximum financial benefits.He also stressed upon green fodder cultivation for optimum feeding of dairy animals. Mr. Suresh Chandra Tripathy, Secretary, NIGAM NGO discussed about different aspects of WFPOs to fetch better price and profits through market linkage. He encouraged the farm women to undertake agricultural production activities in Agri-preneurship mode. Mrs. Susmita Sahoo, MIS, NIGAM NGO explained about different financial inclusion related with WFPOs for market linkage of agricultural produce.

The members of WFPOs ‘Ananaya Farmer Producer Company Limited’ interacted with the experts and discussed about identified activities to be taken up and approaches for implementing such activities in an entrepreneurial mode. The programme was thoroughly covered by the print media for wide publicity. At the end of the programme, vote of thanks was proposed.