Shivraj Singh Chouhan Inaugurates National FPO Conclave 2025, Announces New Seed Act for Quality Assurance
Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Thursday inaugurated the National Farmer Producer Organisations (FPO) Conclave 2025 in New Delhi, highlighting the government’s commitment to transforming Indian agriculture through innovation, entrepreneurship, and accountability.
Speaking at the event, the minister announced that the Centre will soon introduce a new Seed Act to ensure that farmers receive high-quality, certified seeds, and to curb the rampant issue of counterfeit agricultural inputs.
“Strict action is being taken against counterfeit seeds and pesticides. The government is committed to protecting farmers’ interests and ensuring that they get quality products to improve yield and income,” Chouhan said during his address.
Empowering Farmers as Entrepreneurs
In his keynote speech, the Union Minister urged Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) and agricultural institutions to focus on turning farmers into entrepreneurs, capable of managing their own value chains and directly accessing markets without middlemen.
“Farmers should not remain only producers but become entrepreneurs through agriculture. Processing and value addition will increase their income. FPOs must work to convert growers into traders and industrial partners,” Chouhan said.
He further stressed that price disparities between farmgate and retail markets must be reduced to ensure both fair returns for farmers and reasonable prices for consumers.
“Farmers often do not get fair prices for their produce, while consumers pay much more. This gap must be reduced by improving processing, logistics, and value addition,” he added.
Focus on Integrated and Sustainable Farming
Highlighting the importance of integrated farming systems and allied agricultural activities, Chouhan said diversification into animal husbandry, fisheries, horticulture, and food processing can significantly enhance farm income and resilience.
He encouraged FPOs to adopt modern agri-business models and digital technologies for transparent management, adding that increasing turnover, expanding membership, and ensuring quality control should be key objectives for the coming year.
“I urge all FPOs to increase their turnover within a year, expand membership, and maintain credibility and quality. Only then can we ensure maximum benefit to member farmers and build a robust agricultural economy,” the minister said.
Conclave Highlights and Participation
The National FPO Conclave 2025, held at the National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC) premises, witnessed active participation from over 500 progressive farmers, 267 FPOs, and business leaders from 24 states and 140 districts across India.
The event featured an exhibition where FPOs showcased a wide variety of cereals, pulses, oilseeds, fruits, vegetables, organic products, traditional foods, and value-added agri-goods. The showcase aimed to promote local farm innovations and connect rural entrepreneurs to national and international buyers.
A dedicated interaction platform was also set up, allowing FPOs, buyers, sellers, and policymakers to discuss market linkages, branding strategies, and financing options — creating new opportunities for collaboration and rural entrepreneurship.
Technical Sessions and Policy Dialogues
The conclave hosted several technical sessions and panel discussions focusing on critical issues impacting India’s agricultural future. Key themes included:
- Oilseed and Pulses Production: Strategies to reduce import dependence and promote self-sufficiency.
- Water Use Efficiency: Adoption of micro-irrigation and sustainable practices.
- Natural and Organic Farming: Encouraging eco-friendly cultivation methods for soil and biodiversity preservation.
- Agricultural Infrastructure Fund (AIF): Financing solutions for FPO-led infrastructure projects.
- Honey Production and Beekeeping: Diversifying income streams for smallholder farmers.
- Digital Marketing and AGMARK Certification: Leveraging technology to improve market reach and quality standards.
- Seed Production and Distribution Systems: Ensuring traceability and quality under the proposed Seed Act.
Experts from the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD), and NCDC shared their perspectives on improving the efficiency and inclusiveness of India’s FPO ecosystem.
Bridging Policy and Grassroots Implementation
Chouhan highlighted the government’s ongoing efforts to make FPOs the backbone of India’s rural economy, noting that they can help farmers achieve economies of scale, reduce input costs, and enhance bargaining power in the marketplace.
He also underscored the importance of public–private partnerships in scaling FPO operations, enabling greater access to finance, storage, and logistics.
“The FPO movement is a crucial step toward doubling farmers’ income. Through this platform, we aim to connect producers directly with the market, promote processing industries, and empower smallholders to take control of their economic future,” Chouhan stated.
Seed Act: Ensuring Quality and Trust
The upcoming Seed Act, Chouhan revealed, is designed to establish a national regulatory framework for quality assurance in seed production, storage, and distribution. The law will make it mandatory for seed producers and sellers to obtain official certification, reducing the circulation of fake or substandard seeds.
The Act will also promote innovation in seed technology, supporting the development of climate-resilient and high-yielding varieties.
Agricultural experts believe that the move will boost farmer confidence, improve productivity, and strengthen India’s position as a global seed exporter.
The Road Ahead: Transforming Indian Agriculture
The FPO conclave marks a significant step in aligning India’s agricultural vision with the goals of Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India) and Viksit Bharat 2047, focusing on inclusive growth, sustainability, and rural innovation.
With over 10,000 FPOs registered nationwide, the sector has emerged as a driving force for rural transformation, enabling small and marginal farmers to compete in domestic and export markets.
Industry observers say that the focus on entrepreneurial farming, quality inputs, and digital innovation could make India’s agricultural landscape more competitive, transparent, and future-ready.
Final Thoughts from TheTrendingPeople.com
The National FPO Conclave 2025 signals a new chapter in Indian agriculture — one that prioritizes empowerment over dependence and innovation over tradition.
By bridging the gap between policy and practice, the government’s proposed Seed Act, coupled with the FPO-driven business model, has the potential to reshape the future of farming in India.
As Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan aptly summarized, “The true growth of India’s agriculture will come not just from producing more, but from earning more — through quality, value, and enterprise.”