Andhra Pradesh – A three-day training program to strengthen chili-based farmer producer organizations has begun at ICAR-CTRI in Rajahmundry.
BY RAJA PENTAPATI
AP BUREAU CHIEF
NATIONAL NEWSAmaravati, January 7 (Bharat News) AP
On January 9, a familiarization visit will be conducted to the Guntur Mirchi Market Yard, providing participants with a practical understanding of the chili business with a focus on regulated markets and exports. The organizers expressed full confidence that this training will significantly improve the management, technical, and market-oriented capabilities of chili FPO leaders, contributing to enhanced quality, value addition, and the implementation of best practices for achieving sustainable income.
On this occasion, a three-day training program on the topic of “Chili FPO Governance, Post-Harvest Management, and Export Market Linkages commenced on Wednesday at the National Institute of Research on Commercial Agriculture (ICAR–NIRCA) in Rajamahendravaram.
This training is being conducted in collaboration with CII Foundation and supported by Orkla India Limited. The organizers stated that the main objective of this program, which will run from January 7 to 9, 2026, is to strengthen the governance, quality management, and market readiness of chili-based Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs).
CEOs and Directors of chili-based FPOs from Ballari district of Karnataka state are participating in this training program. Vikram M. Nimbal (FPO Program Manager – Karnataka) from CII Foundation and R. Selvaraj (Senior Manager – Procurement) from Olam India Limited explained the importance of institutional linkages, certification, and quality standards, stating that these would enable better market access for chili FPOs.
The technical bulletin for this training program was officially launched. Dr. E. Karuna, Professor, College of Horticulture, Dr. Y.S.R. Horticultural University, who attended as a guest of honor, emphasized the need to enhance farmers’ income through strong FPO governance, certification pathways, and collective marketing strategies.
The chief guest, Dr. M. Seshu Madhav, Director, ICAR-NIRCA, stated that by adopting scientific production methods, post-harvest management, and quality standards with an export focus, Indian chilies would have vast opportunities in domestic and international premium markets.
Experts from ICAR-NIRCA and partner organizations provided technical insights on topics such as Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) in chilies, integrated pest and disease management, and aflatoxin prevention.
The organizers expressed hope that this training would significantly improve the management, technical, and market-oriented capabilities of chili FPO leaders, contributing to improved quality, value addition, and the implementation of best practices for sustainable income generation. Pawan Kumar (Program Coordinator, CII FACE), Malatesh J.M. (VCD Specialist, CII Foundation – Karnataka), Prithvi (Senior Agronomist, Farmitopia Private Limited), and Mohan Reddy (Orkla India Limited) participated in this program.
Bharat News Andhra Pradesh
