Fairtrade Youth from six Indian States undergo the ‘Next Gen Farming & Skills Training Program’ co-funded by the European Union
An initiative under the European Commission Financial Framework Partnership agreement programme
Agriculture today is evolving faster than ever—shaped by climate uncertainty, technological breakthroughs, and shifting global markets. Recognizing this critical moment, Fairtrade NAPP, with co-funding support by the European Union under the European Commission Financial Framework Partnership agreement programme, brought together 33 young leaders from six Indian states for a 'Next Gen Farming & Skills Training Program in Nagpur.
Over two powerful days, these young farmers, students, and entrepreneurs stepped into the future of agriculture, discovering how innovation, sustainability, and enterprise can reshape their communities—and their own careers.
What the Participants Gained: Skills That Redefine the Future of Farming
Rather than a traditional workshop, this program served as a launchpad—giving youth the tools, confidence, and vision to transform agriculture through innovation, inclusivity, and sustainability.
1. A New Entrepreneurial Mindset
Participants learned to look at agriculture as a thriving business ecosystem. They discovered:
- How to identify promising rural business opportunities
- How MSMEs in agriculture can generate sustainable livelihoods
- The 4C+E Business Framework—a life-changing tool for understanding customers, capital, capability, costs, and environmental responsibility
- How government schemes, registrations, and financial channels can fuel agri-startups
Youth left the training with concrete business ideas—from mushroom units and organic manure enterprises to drone services, dairy ventures, spice processing, and nursery development.
2. A Strong Foundation in Sustainable & Climate-Smart Agriculture
Participants explored how ancient Indian practices, UN Sustainable Development Goals, and Fairtrade principles converge to shape sustainable farming systems, deepened their understanding of sustainability—not as an abstract concept, but as a daily farming practice.
They explored the core principles of sustainable and climate-resilient agriculture and the interconnected themes of soil health, water conservation, renewable energy use, waste reduction, and natural resource management, while also unpacking the realities of climate change adaptation and emerging global Net Zero commitments.
Through these conversations, youth gained practical clarity on how to improve soil fertility, conserve water resources, minimize input wastage, and integrate renewable energy solutions into their farming systems. They also learned to identify the key agricultural challenges affecting their own regions and to develop realistic, locally grounded solutions that align with global sustainability goals—equipping them with the mindset and tools needed to drive climate-smart transformation in their communities.
For many, it was the first time linking traditional wisdom, modern science, and Fairtrade principles under one meaningful framework.
3. Confidence to Adopt Innovation & Emerging Technologies
From drip irrigation and laser levellers to geofencing, AI, drones, and mobile weather apps, participants explored practical agricultural technologies suitable for different geographies and scales.
The training helped them answer: Which technology is right for my village, my crop, and my business?
This newly gained clarity empowered youth to envision tech-enabled farming systems back home.
A Turning Point: Learning From Real Women-Led Enterprises
One of the interesting components of the program was the field exposure visit to women-driven agricultural enterprises in Wardha, which offered participants a powerful real-world understanding of gender-inclusive agribusiness.
At Wardhini Seva Sangh (WSS), a vibrant collective led entirely by rural women, the youth observed how women entrepreneurs efficiently manage product sourcing, establish pricing and margins, uphold governance systems, and build strong, trusted local brands. This interaction broadened their perspective on how self-organized women’s groups can shape resilient and sustainable rural enterprises.
They also visited a women-led Goat Value Chain Farmer producer organisation, where participants discovered how goat rearing can evolve into a full-fledged value-added enterprise—producing milk, soap, manure, and other products with strong market potential. Many were inspired by the innovative model, expressing interest in replicating similar initiatives in their own communities.
This exposure, combined with interaction with District Rural Development Authority officials, gave them a practical blueprint for designing and launching community-led enterprises rooted in sustainability and empowerment.
The Immediate Impact: Youth Energetic, Empowered, and Ready to Lead
Participants demonstrated a significantly stronger understanding of sustainable farming, climate resilience, and agribusiness, coupled with newfound confidence in adopting modern technologies. Many left with clear, actionable business ideas ready to be developed into real ventures, supported by improved financial literacy—from cost analysis to digital marketing—and a deeper awareness of the government schemes and support systems available to them.
What Comes Next: From Learnings to Local Action
The youth groups co-created action plans they will implement in their communities:
- Participants will conduct field sessions for farmers, multiplying the impact across villages.
- They plan to support Farmer entrepreneurship, Adoption of improved farming techniques and Inclusive and climate-resilient farming models
- Youth will help Farmers organisations’ draft proposals and explore funding opportunities.
Youth will promote the use of:
- Solar pumps, seed drills, laser levellers
- Drone spraying services
- Mobile advisory platforms
- Weather monitoring systems
- Organic carbon tracking tools