Cultivating Agricultural Change
Event Report: Grama Bharathi Kisan Expo 2024
The second edition of Grama Bharathi Kisan Expo 2024 was successfully organized by Grama Bharathi Natural Farmers Producer Co Ltd (GBNFPCL) on March
16-17, at the HITEX Exhibition Centre, Hyderabad. The event redefined agricultural exhibitions, prioritizing farmers as key exhibitors, championing sustainable practices, and empowering rural communities.
The expo highlighted the significance of raising farmers’ income, uplifting their rural livelihoods, adopting state-of-the-art technologies, nurturing soil health, and addressing interconnected sectors. The show was an evolution resulting from previous efforts and with the support of GBNFPCL’s farmer community.
Sowing Seeds of Change
The event exemplified the organization’s commitment to promoting natural farming and sustainable livelihoods in rural areas. According to Karun Reddy, Convenor, GBNFPCL, the organization’s strength stems from a dedicated group of volunteers who help farmers improve their production and sales. Elaborating on the organization’s proactive initiatives, he stated, “We provide training on various cultivation methods and techniques through online, physical, and residential programs conducted primarily in farmer fields.”
From Farm to Forum
The expo focused on learning from innovators themselves. Speakers of repute were invited to share their expertise on various chemical-free farming methods and have direct interaction with farmers on practical knowledge and adoption. Subject matter experts on the topics of methods of intercropping, integrated farming, terrace gardening, food processing, marketing, soil health management, and environment-friendly practices addressed the audience at the expo.
To this end, Reddy stressed, “Our goal is to double farmers' income by equipping them with skills in food processing, packaging, and market access through individual efforts or their Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs/FPCs).”
A Win-Win Formula
The event stood out among agricultural exhibitions due to its unique approach. “Unlike other traditional expos that focus on farmers and treat them as consumers, the Grama Bharathi Kisan Expo prioritizes farmers as their first exhibitors. This inclusive approach enabled farmers to showcase their produce directly to consumers seeking authentic, chemical-free options,” explained Reddy.
Speaking on the benefits of participating in the expo, Reddy said that the exhibitors get a platform to interact with potential customers. Elaborating on Grama Bharathi’s contribution to the agricultural sector, Reddy explained that the organization works directly with over 70 FPOs, representing more than 35,000 farmers across Telangana.” Further, he elaborated, “Our extensive experience in interacting with farmers through training, events, and meetings at the farm level provides progressive exhibitors with access to a valuable and established farmer base. This creates a win-win situation for both exhibitors and farmers.”
Talking about the expo’s focus on facilitating FPOs, Reddy pointed out, “We empower FPOs with the latest Artificial Intelligence (AI), Satellite, and Mobile-based technologies to facilitate faster information dissemination and real-time crop health management, along with insights into preventive action. This involves direct interaction with technology companies and experts, minimizing delays and equipping farmers with timely knowledge.”
Exhibits and Profile at Display
The expo featured the latest advancements in agri-inputs, food processing, and the entire ecosystem, fostering a space for farmers, consumers, and stakeholders in the agricultural sector. The product profile was diverse, ranging from:
Electric Equipment - spray pumps, and drones
Water Management Systems - sprinklers, hydroponics, and drip irrigation
Agri-inputs - seeds, bio-fertilizers, bio-pesticides, and growth promoters
Weed and pest management - mulching sheets, tillers, solar traps, biological traps
Post-harvest machines
Food processing, packaging, logistics, and marketing solutions
Cutting-edge innovations -
AI-based technologies, drones, e-commerce platforms, nutraceuticals, and forest-based products
The expo also witnessed the presence of MSMEs and Startups from the food industry.
Paving the Way for a Better Future
The event’s success reflected the organization’s ongoing efforts, supported by the farmer community. In this context, Reddy averred, “Our goal is to help farmers sell their produce at higher prices by adopting
the best practices; minimize middlemen and enable direct consumer sales (wherever possible); connect consumers with farmers to increase the understanding and appreciation for genuine organic/natural production methods; and encourage more farmers to adopt chemical-free practices as consumer demand rises.”
Speakers of repute were invited to share their expertise on various chemical-free farming methods and have direct interaction with farmers on practical knowledge and adoption. Subject matter experts on the topics of methods of intercropping, integrated farming, terrace gardening, food processing, marketing, soil health management, and environment-friendly practices addressed the audience at the expo.