Introduction
The “Bolstering Farmer Producers Organizations” project, supported by the Walmart Foundation and implemented by S M Sehgal Foundation in Karnataka and Uttar Pradesh, is reshaping the agricultural landscape for small and marginal farmers. The project is empowering Farmer Producers Organizations (FPOs) through focused training programs on sustainable agricultural practices and soil health management. The initiative helps farmers increase crop yields, reduce input costs, and strengthen their resilience against climate challenges. This not only drives long-term agricultural growth but also promotes community-level sustainability.
This blog explores how the project is empowering farmers—particularly women—by tackling the challenge of expensive and inconsistent livestock feed. With the establishment of a sustainable mini mill in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, the initiative is creating transformative change in the agricultural community.
Sangam Samridhi FPO: Transforming livelihoods through quality livestock feed
A Farmer Producers Organization (FPO) represents a collective of farmers united to improve agricultural practices, optimize resource access, and strengthen their bargaining position in the market. Through collaboration, FPOs enable farmers to lower input costs, enhance productivity, and elevate their overall quality of life.
In 2023, Sangam Samridhi FPO was selected to address the issue of expensive and inconsistent access to high-quality livestock feed by setting up a mini mill. With a membership of 1,000 farmers, including 300 women, Sangam Samridhi faced a major obstacle: the high cost and unreliable access to quality livestock feed. But with the support of Walmart for the “Bolstering Farmer Producers Organizations” project, the FPO has taken a significant step in providing affordable, locally produced, and high-quality livestock feed. This initiative not only boosts agricultural productivity but also improves the economic stability of its members and their communities.
Establishing a mini mill for high-quality livestock feed
Recognizing the critical role of animal husbandry in the rural economy, the FPO took a pivotal step by establishing a mini animal feed mill. The facility was set up on leased land in a warehouse located outside the village of Bhelkha. Sangam Samridhi contributed 10 percent of the setup cost, while the remaining expenses were covered by the project. The selection of machinery for the mill followed thorough market research into available technologies and suppliers. Feed pricing was determined through a comprehensive financial analysis, and local suppliers were identified for procuring essential raw materials—such as wheat, rice bran, mustard cake, and salt—to ensure the feed remained both affordable and high-quality.
Training and capacity building: Supporting sustainable livestock feed operations
To assure the long-term success of the livestock feed mill, the project placed a strong emphasis on specialized capacity-building programs for Sangam Samridhi FPO members. These programs equipped them with the necessary skills to independently manage the mill’s operations, from overseeing daily processes to ensuring the quality of the feed produced.
The project was instrumental in offering ongoing technical expertise and guidance, enabling FPO members to properly maintain the mill’s machinery, adhere to best practices, and uphold consistent quality standards. This continuous support ensures the mill operates efficiently and remains aligned with industry benchmarks.
In addition, the project emphasized the importance of cultivating local knowledge and expertise within the community. Building to this capacity, the FPO has not only sustained the mill’s operations but also developed a self-reliant business model that benefits the broader community. This approach contributes significantly to the long-term sustainability and economic well-being of the farmers.
Financial model: Profitability and reinvestment in livestock feed production growth
The financial model of the Sangam Samridhi FPO’s mini mill for livestock feed reflects a careful balance between quality and affordability. Each quintal (100 kg) of animal feed costs INR 2,449 to produce, and it is sold at INR 2,500, yielding a modest profit margin of INR 51 per quintal. While the price may be slightly higher than the market rate, the superior quality of the locally produced feed makes it a worthwhile investment for farmers, contributing to better livestock health and enhanced productivity.
At present, the FPO produces the feed on a pre-order basis, and they have successfully produced 10 quintals (1,000 kg), generating INR 25,000 in sales. This profit is strategically reinvested into the FPO infrastructure, including further training programs, procurement of raw materials, and continuous improvements to the feed production process. These reinvestments are vital in supporting the long-term growth of the FPO and in strengthening the livelihoods of its farmer members.
The project team remains actively involved in monitoring the mill’s progress, conducting regular assessments to gauge the impact of the feed on livestock health and productivity. This ongoing evaluation ensures that adjustments can be made when necessary, including refining training programs and production techniques, to ensure the initiative’s continued success and growth.
Impact on women farmers: Empowering the backbone of rural agriculture
In the rural landscapes of Uttar Pradesh, women farmers often face significant challenges, from limited access to resources to the undervaluation of their contributions. However, the “Bolstering Farmer Producers Organizations” project has made strides in improving these conditions, especially for women farmers.
Within the Sangam Samridhi FPO, 300 women have actively engaged in the mini mill project, which has transformed their livelihoods. For many, the establishment of this feed mill has provided a much-needed avenue to not only support their households but also gain financial independence and security. Women are often the primary caretakers of livestock in rural areas, and the availability of affordable, high-quality livestock feed has alleviated some of their financial burdens, allowing them to focus more on their farming activities rather than worrying about feed costs.
The project has also facilitated women’s participation in the management and operations of the feed mill. Through capacity-building training programs, these women have learned vital skills in feed production, machinery maintenance, and financial management. This hands-on involvement in the mini mill’s day-to-day operations has empowered them with technical expertise and boosted their confidence, allowing them to become key decision-makers within the FPO.
For many women, this initiative has not only improved their economic situation but also enhanced their social standing within the community. The success of women in running the mini mill has led to greater recognition of their roles in agriculture, further challenging traditional gender norms and encouraging other women to pursue opportunities in farming and business.
The project has truly become a catalyst for change, improving not only the productivity and economic well-being of women farmers and created an environment of equality and empowerment in rural agriculture. As these women continue to strengthen their skills and influence, they are paving the way for a more inclusive and sustainable agricultural future.
Marketing and Expanding Reach: Building a Brand for Livestock Feed and Growing the Market
Marketing the newly produced livestock feed presented a unique challenge for the Sangam Samridhi FPO, which needed to create awareness about the quality and benefits of their product while also building trust within the community. To address this, the project team worked closely with the FPO to develop a strong brand identity and enhance its promotional capacities. The feed was branded as “Sangam Samridhi Santulit Pashu Aahar” to emphasize its balanced and nutritious composition, carefully formulated to meet the dietary needs of cattle.
The branding initiative highlighted the feed’s superior quality and its positive impact on livestock health, making it an attractive choice for farmers. To further expand its market reach, the FPO began forging partnerships with other FPOs and individual farmers, creating a broader network for distribution. These collaborations helped increase awareness and access to the product, contributing to a growing customer base and expanding the feed’s availability across the region.
With a clear and focused marketing strategy, the Sangam Samridhi FPO is not only promoting the benefits of its livestock feed but also building a lasting presence in the market, enhancing its capacity to serve the needs of farmers and contribute to sustainable agricultural growth.
Final thoughts
The “Bolstering Farmer Producers Organizations” project has significantly transformed the lives of farmers in Uttar Pradesh, particularly women, by addressing the challenges of expensive and unreliable livestock feed. Through the establishment of the Sangam Samridhi FPO’s mini mill, farmers now have access to high-quality, affordable feed that contributes to better livestock health, increased milk production, and improved overall agricultural productivity. With continuous capacity building, a sound financial model, and strategic marketing efforts, the project ensures long-term sustainability, empowering farmers to reinvest in their businesses and enhance their livelihoods. As a result, this initiative is not only strengthening the local agricultural economy but also creating a sense of community-driven development that will continue to thrive for generations to come.
To learn more about the Bolstering Farmer Producer Organizations in Uttar Pradesh and Karnataka click on this video and witness how sustainable practices and innovative solutions are transforming rural farming communities.
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