Under the Farmers’ FIRST project of ICAR-CRIDA, a group of 40 farmers from Vikarabad district, representing the villages of Bakapur, Medikonda, and Gangupalli, participated in an exposure visit to the JMKPM Farmer Producers' Company Limited (FPCL), located in Manoharabad village, Jakranpalli Mandal, Nizamabad district. The primary objective of the visit was to raise awareness, educate, and motivate farmers about the operational advantages and value of Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) in enhancing their livelihoods

The program commenced with address by Director Shri Tirupathi Reddy, who shared the journey of JMKPM FPCL, from its inception to its evolution into a model organization. He discussed the initial challenges faced by the FPCL, such as resource mobilization and operational difficulties, and explained how these were successfully overcome, leading to the acquisition of ₹3 crores in funding to establish a turmeric processing unit. He also emphasized the crucial role of FPOs in improving farmers’ profitability by encouraging collective farming practices, facilitating access to input procurement, and enabling value addition to increase market competitiveness.

During the visit, the farmers were given a detailed tour of JMKPM’s turmeric processing unit. They were provided with comprehensive information on the various processing steps, including cleaning, drying, grinding, and packaging. The significance of value addition in agricultural produce was underscored, highlighting how it enhances product quality and helps farmers secure better market prices. Additionally, the farmers learned about the process of oil extraction from turmeric leaves and the innovative use of the ash from these leaves in the preparation of incense sticks.

The visit also included an interactive session where farmers raised their doubts and sought advice on operational challenges, marketing strategies, and funding opportunities etc.,

Finally, the farmers were taken on a field visit to turmeric farms and a natural farming unit. They were explained about natural farming techniques and educated on practices such as improving soil health, employing eco-friendly pest management methods, and adopting cost-effective farming strategies that align with environmental conservation principles.

This exposure visit successfully provided the farmers with practical insights and inspiration.