In March 2025, Fairtrade NAPP deepened its commitment to empowering young agricultural changemakers through the Virtual Introductory Meeting of the Youth Knowledge Hub Project (YKHP) – Batch 3. The session brought together 26 enthusiastic youth participants from Fairtrade-certified cotton, rice, herbs, herbal teas, and spice producer organizations across India, launching a new chapter in their journey of learning, collaboration, and leadership development.

The meeting was led by Amit Das, Program Manager and Sachin Verma, Assistant Manger- Youth and Gender, who set the tone for an inspiring conversation centered on youth-led change, sustainable farming, and inclusive growth.

Youth Knowledge Hub: A Vision for Empowered Futures

The Youth Knowledge Hub Project is designed with a clear mission: to empower young people engaged in agriculture with the knowledge, tools, and platforms they need to thrive as change agents. The project is anchored in four key pillars:

1. Youth Empowerment and Leadership Development
2. Innovative Agricultural Training
3. Entrepreneurial Mindset and Career Growth
4. Increased Youth Involvement in Sustainable Agriculture & Agribusiness

Engaging, Equipping, Empowering

During the virtual session, youth participants were introduced to the mission and impact of Fairtrade NAPP, gaining a comprehensive understanding of its support for sustainable farming and youth inclusion.

Key Highlights from the Meeting:

•  Introduction to Fairtrade NAPP
  A clear overview of Fairtrade NAPP's role in uplifting farmers, supporting ethical trade, and investing in youth leadership across value chains.
•  Dialogue on the Youth Knowledge Hub Benefits
  Youth voiced their thoughts and expectations, expressing enthusiasm for mentorship, networking, and upskilling opportunities through the program.
• Roadmap for Batch 3 Activities
  Participants were walked through a structured roadmap—featuring training modules, webinars, hands-on projects, and engagement channels.
•  Inspiration from Past Batches
  Success stories from previous cohorts were shared, showcasing real-life impact and motivating the new batch to contribute meaningfully.

Immediate Outcomes & Reflections

The session made a tangible impact, as reflected in participants’ testimonials and feedback:

• Enhanced Awareness: Youth gained clarity on the purpose of YKHP and its role in sustainable agricultural transformation.
• Commitment to Participate: The energy and excitement were palpable, with participants eager to join upcoming sessions and training.
• Networking & Collaboration: The session became a space for young producers from diverse regions to connect and share insights.
• Clear Roadmap: A well-defined activity plan gave participants a direction for the months ahead.

Voices of the Youth: In Their Own Words

"This meeting was very good. I got the opportunity to learn something new—things that will be helpful for me in the future. I also gained new exposure to sustainable agriculture and agribusiness."
— Poonam Sharma, 30; Nature Bio-Foods Ltd., Jammu

"It was a great session and a valuable opportunity to understand agriculture comprehensively through the Fairtrade NAPP Youth Knowledge Hub Project."
— Sikandar Singh, 28-Fair Farming Foundation, India

"I enjoyed the session and look forward to learning more from the Youth Knowledge Hub Project in the future. Thanks to Fairtrade NAPP for designing this learning initiative for youth."
— Shubham Kumar, 21-Sharsid Himalayan Wetland Basmati Growers Group, R.S. Pura

Next Steps: Building Momentum

Following the introductory session, Fairtrade NAPP has outlined the following next steps:

• Scheduled Virtual Trainings: Ongoing webinars, interactive sessions, and practical training modules.
• Youth Mentorship & Collaboration: Connecting youth across POs for collective learning.
•  Project Proposal Development: Encouraging youth to ideate and lead initiatives that address local agri-social challenges.

Why This Matters

Youth are the future of farming—and Fairtrade NAPP is committed to ensuring they are not only included in agricultural systems but are equipped to lead them. The Youth Knowledge Hub Project embodies this vision by merging capacity building with creativity, entrepreneurship, and sustainability.

As Batch 3 embarks on its journey, it is not just a learning program—it’s a movement of young minds ready to reimagine agriculture for people and planet.