Kerala Agricultural University to support agri-enterprises in value addition and market expansion

Kerala Agricultural University (KAU) has announced continued support for enterprises focused on transforming agricultural produce into value-added products. This initiative aims to generate higher income and employment opportunities by helping farmers and small businesses move up the value chain.

Vice-Chancellor T. Sajitha Rani highlighted the model role played by the Agri Business Incubator (ABI) in this transition. The ABI provides farmers, entrepreneurs, and Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) with essential training, technical support, entrepreneurial guidance, and incubation services. Furthermore, the incubator facilitates market linkages, ensuring that these products gain traction in both domestic and international markets.

During the Merit Day celebration, which honored top-performing students and award-winning entrepreneurs, Rani emphasized that transitioning from basic agricultural production to value addition and brand-building is crucial for the sustainable growth of Kerala’s agricultural sector.

Binoo P. Bonny, Director of Extension at KAU, outlined initiatives such as the FPO Linkage Programme, which bridges the gap between FPOs, commercial markets, and institutional partners. She noted that these interventions are instrumental in professionalizing farmer collectives, turning them into robust and sustainable business enterprises capable of navigating complex modern markets.

Professor K. P. Sudheer, Head of the ABI, highlighted the tangible impact of these interventions through success stories like 'Juz Crush,' a fruit and vegetable processing firm. With support from RKVY-RAFTAAR and the PMFME common incubation facility, the company successfully scaled its processing capabilities and began exporting to international markets. Additionally, the 'PALA Santhom Factory FPO' was recognized as the Best FPO, serving as a testament to the effectiveness of ABI’s capacity-building and entrepreneurship support programs.