Exposure Visits of small-scale sugar and cashew farmers to Research Institutions and key agricultural and technology centers in Maharashtra and Odisha to learn about innovative agricultural practices and technologies
As part of its commitment to empowering smallholder producers and promoting sustainable agriculture, Fairtrade NAPP (Network of Asia and Pacific Producers) recently conducted two impactful exposure visits in Odisha and Maharashtra. These visits, organized in collaboration with Nature Bio-Foods, OUAT, ICAR, and Corelife, aimed to introduce Fairtrade-certified farmers to innovative agricultural practices and technologies.
Strengthening Farmer Resilience Through Exposure Visits
As part of its commitment to empowering smallholder producers and promoting sustainable agriculture, Fairtrade NAPP (Network of Asia and Pacific Producers) recently conducted two impactful exposure visits in Odisha and Maharashtra. These visits, organized in collaboration with Nature Bio-Foods, OUAT, ICAR, and Corelife, aimed to introduce Fairtrade-certified farmers to innovative agricultural practices and technologies. By facilitating direct interaction with scientists, research institutions, and technology providers, these visits have helped farmers gain knowledge critical for improving productivity, climate resilience, and long-term sustainability.
Transforming Cashew Cultivation in Odisha
The cashew exposure visit in Odisha, organized by Maa Bhagwati Jaivik Producer Company Limited along with Nature Bio-Foods and key research institutions like OUAT and ICAR’s Central Cashew Research Station, focused on rejuvenating cashew farming practices. Twenty-two Fairtrade farmers participated in this visit, which showcased improved cashew varieties such as Balabhadra, Subhadra, and Jagannath. Through field visits and hands-on demonstrations, farmers learned about modern orchard management, nursery establishment, pest and disease control, and grafting techniques.
Key Objectives
- Introduce producers to high-yielding cashew varieties.
- Strengthen knowledge of orchard management and nursery establishment
Activities & Innovations
The exposure visit featured a series of carefully designed activities that combined field-based learning with expert-led knowledge sharing. Farmers visited the ICAR Central Cashew Research Station and local nurseries, where they observed firsthand the latest advancements in cashew cultivation. They were introduced to high-yielding and regionally suitable varieties such as Balabhadra, Subhadra, and Jagannath, with detailed demonstrations on their performance and benefits. To ensure practical learning, the visit included hands-on training sessions conducted in the local Odia language, covering key topics like pest and disease management, nutrient application, and grafting techniques. These sessions were led by well-regarded agricultural experts, including Dr. Kabita Sethi and Mr. Pradeep Mishra, whose guidance helped translate complex scientific knowledge into actionable steps for the farmers.
Immediate Impact
The exposure visit had a significant and immediate impact on the participating cashew producers. Many of them, who had been cultivating on aging orchards over 15 years old, gained valuable insights into revitalizing their farms using improved, climate-resilient cashew varieties. Motivated by the knowledge and practical demonstrations, farmers have already begun planning key initiatives to enhance productivity. These include establishing community-level nurseries within their clusters to ensure a steady supply of quality planting material, adopting gap-filling techniques using high-yielding varieties, and formalizing partnerships with the Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology (OUAT) for sustained technical support and access to research-based guidance. This proactive response reflects a strong commitment among producers to modernize their practices and ensure the long-term viability of their cashew cultivation.
“We are happy and satisfied by NAPP’s continued support and seek cooperation in scaling up these improved cashew varieties.”
— Narayan Sumant Rey, Maa Bhagwati Jaivik Producer Company Ltd
Driving Technological Innovation in Sugarcane Farming in Maharashtra
In Maharashtra, Fairtrade NAPP organized a sugarcane exposure visit involving members of the Arjunsond Organic Farmers Co-operative Society and Bibidarfal Producer Society, with support from Corelife, a Fairtrade trader and agri-technology partner.
Key Objectives
Forty farmers participated in this initiative designed to experience AI-powered field management and to promote bio-fertilizer innovation and climate-smart practices
Learning Sites & Demonstrations
The sugarcane exposure visit in Maharashtra offered farmers an immersive learning experience through visits to key agricultural and technology centers. At KVK Baramati, participants were introduced to AI-based tools for monitoring sugarcane fields, showcasing how artificial intelligence can optimize field operations and decision-making. At CSRS Padegaon, they explored improved, climate-resilient sugarcane varieties, gaining insights into traits that enhance yield and adaptability. A highlight of the visit was the session at Corelife’s facility, where farmers observed a live demonstration of converting animal waste into liquid bio-fertilizer, a sustainable solution to reduce input costs and improve soil fertility.
The technology demonstrations also included the preparation of organic inputs like Jeevamrut and Dashparni Ark, essential for eco-friendly crop nutrition and pest control. Farmers were trained in input dosage calibration techniques, ensuring efficient and appropriate application of bio-fertilizers. Additionally, they received practical guidance on soil health management, land preparation, and water conservation methods. Perhaps most transformative was the exposure to real-world AI integration, which provided farmers with tools to make data-driven decisions for more productive and sustainable farming.
Immediate Impact
The exposure visit left a strong and immediate impression on the participating sugarcane farmers, who returned to their communities energized and ready to implement what they had learned. Additionally, the visit reinforced the value of organic fertilizer practices, encouraging farmers to shift toward inputs that enhance soil health and long-term fertility. Inspired by the practical demonstrations, many farmers also expressed a commitment to adopting cost-effective, eco-friendly methods as part of their routine farming operations. This shift not only supports sustainable agriculture but also reduces dependency on chemical inputs, aligning with broader goals of environmental conservation and farmer resilience.
On-Ground Impact and Broader Significance
These exposure visits are more than educational experiences—they are a strategic pillar of Fairtrade NAPP’s approach to transforming agriculture from the ground up. By connecting farmers directly with research institutions and innovators, these visits facilitate farmer-to-scientist exchanges, promote the adoption of climate-resilient practices, and accelerate the transition to sustainable, high-productivity farming systems. The outcomes are already evident as farmers begin planning nursery setups, experimenting with AI applications, and implementing bio-fertilizer solutions.
Sustained Support and Forward Strategy
Building on the momentum generated, Fairtrade NAPP and its partners are committed to further supporting the implementation of these new practices. Planned follow-up initiatives include the establishment of pilot demonstration plots, the launch of farmer field schools, and continued technical training sessions. Efforts will also focus on monitoring the adoption and effectiveness of the introduced innovations to ensure long-term impact.