Training program on Farm Producer Entrepreneurship & Marketing at SMS Varanasi
Day 1: March 5, 2024
The inaugural session of the training program on Farm Producer Entrepreneurship & Marketing commenced on 5th March 2024 at 11.00 am, organized by School of Management Sciences, Varanasi in association with CCS National Institute of Agricultural Marketing, Jaipur, under the patronage of the Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Ministry, Government of India. The inaugural session, coordinated by Dr. Sofia Khan, Assistant Professor at SMS, Varanasi, marked the beginning of an enriching journey for the participants. Invited Dignitaries for the inaugural session were as follows:
- Prof. P. N. Jha: Director, SMS, Varanasi
- Shri Chandrashekhar Singh: Chief Guest, Padmshree Awardee, Member – Spice Board of India, Founder – Vasundhara Seed Company (Pvt) Ltd.
- Shri Daya Shanker Mishra: Guest of Honour, Founder – Indian Inks & Chemical Industries, President – Ram Nagar Industrial Association
- Shri Sanjay Gupta: Registrar & Controller of Examination, SMS, Varanasi
- Prof. R. K. Singh: Convener and Chairperson, Centre For Entrepreneurship, Innovation & Skill Development (CEISD), SMS, Varanasi
Highlights of the Session:
The session commenced with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp and offering of garland to Mata Saraswati, signifying the pursuit of knowledge and wisdom. Dignitaries were welcomed to the dais and presented with bouquets, acknowledging their esteemed presence and support. Prof. P. N. Jha, Director of SMS, Varanasi, delivered the welcome address, setting the tone for the programs objectives and significance. Prof. R. K. Singh, Convener and Chairperson of CEISD at SMS, Varanasi, provided insights into the training programs curriculum and its alignment with fostering entrepreneurship and innovation in agriculture. Addressing the audience, Shri Sanjay Gupta, Registrar & Controller of Examination at SMS, Varanasi, emphasized the importance of skill development in the agricultural sector for sustainable growth. Shri Daya Shanker Mishra, Guest of Honour, shared his valuable perspectives on the role of entrepreneurship in driving industrial growth, drawing from his experiences in the chemical industries. Shri Chandrashekhar Singh, Chief Guest and Padmshree Awardee, highlighted the significance of agricultural marketing and encouraged participants to leverage the opportunities presented by the sector. Prof. P. N. Jha, Director of SMS, Varanasi, felicitated the dignitaries for their valuable time and gracious presence in the inaugural ceremony of the training program. At the end of inaugural session, Dr. Khushboo Kumar, Assistant Professor at SMS, Varanasi, expressed heartfelt gratitude to all dignitaries, participants, and organizers for their valuable contributions towards making the inaugural session a resounding success. The inaugural session set a promising tone for the training program, laying the foundation for knowledge exchange, skill enhancement, and entrepreneurial endeavors in the field of agricultural marketing.
The later part of the session witnessed an insightful presentation by Prof Sanjay Saxena, Professor, SMS, Varanasi on the Agricultural Marketing System in India. Prof Saxena elaborated on the current structure of agricultural marketing in India, highlighting its challenges and opportunities. He emphasized the need for reforms to streamline the marketing processes and ensure fair returns to farmers. Prof Amit Kishore Sinha, Professor, SMS, Varanasi then presented on the role of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in agricultural marketing. He showcased various case studies and highlighted best practices where ICT has been effectively utilized to enhance market access for farmers. Prof Sinha stressed the importance of digital platforms in connecting farmers to markets efficiently. Dr. Khushboo Kumar, an Assistant Professor at SMS Varanasi, skillfully managed the session.
The post-lunch session commenced with Mr. Ram Gopal Gupta, Associate Professor, SMS, Varanasi presentation on linking Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) and farmers to markets through virtual platforms. Mr. Gupta provided insights into the benefits and challenges of virtual platforms in agricultural marketing and shared practical strategies for successful implementation. Dr. Bhavana Singh, Associate Professor, SMS, Varanasi then discussed the significance of Agri-Startups in adding value to agribusiness. She elaborated on the role of innovation and entrepreneurship in the agriculture sector, showcasing successful startup ventures that have contributed to value addition and market diversification. Next, Dr. Aditya Kumar Gupta, Associate Professor, SMS, Varanasi shared his expertise on the significance of e-NAM (National Agriculture Market) as a transformative initiative aimed at integrating agricultural markets across the country under the "One Nation One Market" concept. He focuses on the mobile-enabled skills required for farmers to effectively participate in e-NAM and leverage its benefits. The session was well coordinated by Ms. Shruti Singh, Assistant Professor, SMS, Varanasi.
Day 2: March 6, 2024
In the very first session of day 2, Dr. Chandrasekhar Singh, Assistant Professor, SMS, Varanasi emphasized the importance of maintaining food safety and quality parameters in the marketing of agricultural produce. He discussed various factors that contribute to ensuring food safety, such as proper handling, storage, and transportation practices. Additionally, he highlighted the significance of quality standards in meeting consumer expectations and building trust in agricultural products. Later on, Dr. Sofia Khan, Assistant Professor, SMS, Varanasi delved into the strategies and techniques involved in branding agricultural produce for both national and international markets. She emphasized the role of branding in differentiating products, creating value, and fostering consumer loyalty. Dr. Khan provided insights into successful branding practices that enhance the marketability of agricultural products on a global scale. Next, Mr. Amit Kumar Bhanja, Assistant Professor, SMS, Varanasi explored alternative marketing methods for agricultural produce beyond traditional channels. He discussed innovative approaches such as direct-to-consumer sales, online platforms, and farmers markets. Mr. Bhanja highlighted the potential benefits of these methods in reducing intermediaries, improving profit margins, and reaching niche markets. The coordination of the session was effectively overseen by Dr. Anjali, Assistant Professor, SMS, Varanasi.
In Post-Lunch session, Dr. Khushboo Kumar, Assistant Professor, SMS, Varanasi shared success stories of better marketing practices implemented in the agriculture sector. She showcased examples of organizations or individuals who have effectively utilized marketing strategies to enhance the visibility and profitability of their agricultural products. Post that, Dr. Ashwani Gupta, Assistant Professor, SMS, Varanasi provided insights into the experiences of various states in implementing agriculture marketing reforms. He discussed the challenges faced, lessons learned, and the impact of these reforms on the agricultural sector. Dr. Gupta also highlighted best practices that could be adopted by other states to improve marketing efficiency and farmer income. Next, Dr. Anjana Singh, Assistant Professor, SMS, Varanasi delves into the crucial role of storage within the agriculture value chain. Storage plays a pivotal role in maintaining the quality, quantity, and marketability of agricultural produce. Effective storage practices contribute significantly to reducing post-harvest losses, ensuring food security, and enhancing farmer incomes. Mr. Gaurav Singh Bisen, Assistant Professor at SMS Varanasi, adeptly organized the session.
The training sessions provided valuable insights into different aspects of agriculture produce marketing, ranging from food safety and branding to alternative marketing methods and success stories. The presentations facilitated knowledge exchange and discussions among participants, contributing to the advancement of agriculture marketing practices.
Day 3: March 7, 2024
The third day of the seminar focused on various aspects of agriculture marketing practices, covering topics such as supply chain management, e-NAM, and guidelines for farmers in marketing practices. The session aimed to provide insights into the evolving landscape of agricultural marketing and equip participants with valuable knowledge and best practices. Mr. Vir Pratap Singh, Assistant Professor, SMS, Varanasi shared the intricacies of supply chain management and value chain management in the context of agriculture. He highlighted the importance of streamlining processes, optimizing logistics, and enhancing collaboration among stakeholders to ensure efficient flow of agricultural products from farm to market. Next, Prof. Amitabh Pandey, Professor, SMS, Varanasi discussed the e-NAM (National Agriculture Market) initiative and its impact on agricultural marketing practices. He shared success stories and best practices adopted by farmers and traders leveraging the e-NAM platform for transparent price discovery, enhanced market access, and reduced transaction costs. At last, Dr. Palima Pandey, Assistant Professor, SMS, Varanasi provided valuable insights into the dos and donts for farmers in agricultural marketing practices. She emphasized the importance of understanding market dynamics, adopting modern marketing techniques, and complying with regulatory requirements to maximize returns and minimize risks in agricultural marketing. Dr. Ragi T.S., Assistant Professor, SMS, Varanasi skillfully managed the session.
Post lunch, Valedictory Session was organized in which invited dignitaries were as mentioned below:
- Prof. P. N. Jha: Director, SMS, Varanasi
- Prof. Shree Ram Singh: Chief Guest, Professor, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, BHU; Head, Krishi Vigyan Kendra, BHU
- Dr. Sharad Kumar: Guest of Honour, CEO, I-DAPT Hub Foundation, IIT, BHU
- Shri Sanjay Gupta: Registrar & Controller of Examination, SMS, Varanasi
- Prof. R. K. Singh: Convener and Chairperson – CEISD, SMS, Varanasi
Highlights of the Session:
The valedictory session commenced with addresses from esteemed guests, emphasizing the importance of the training program in enhancing agricultural marketing knowledge and practices. Prof. P. N. Jha, Director of SMS, Varanasi, highlighted the college commitment to empowering individuals in the agricultural sector through such training initiatives. Shri Sanjay Gupta, Registrar & Controller of Examination at SMS, Varanasi, reiterated the college dedication to fostering excellence in agricultural education. Dr. Sharad Kumar, Guest of Honour and CEO of I-DAPT Hub Foundation, IIT, BHU, commended the collaborative efforts in organizing the training program and emphasized the need for continuous skill development in agriculture. Prof. Shree Ram Singh, Chief Guest, shared insights into the future of agricultural sciences and encouraged participants to apply the knowledge gained effectively in their respective fields. Certificates were distributed to participants as recognition of their successful completion of the training program. Certificates were also distributed to the session coordinators and resource persons for their instrumental role in supporting the training program and advancing agricultural education initiatives through their deliberations.
At the end, Prof. R. K. Singh, Convener and Chairperson of CEISD at SMS, Varanasi, expressed gratitude to all dignitaries, participants, and organizers for their contributions towards the success of the training program. The entire valedictory session, concluded and very well coordinated by Dr. Sofia Khan, Assistant Professor with the rendition of the National Anthem, symbolizing unity and pride in the nation achievements.