Jashpur Hosts Successful Two-Day Agri-Horti Expo and Buyer-Seller Meet, Empowering Farmers and Boosting Market Linkages

In a significant step toward promoting sustainable agriculture and strengthening market linkages for farmers, the District Administration of Jashpur organized a two-day Agri-Horti Expo and Buyer-Seller Meet on June 28 and 29, 2025. The event aimed to connect farmers directly with buyer companies, highlight the district's agricultural potential, and encourage local entrepreneurship, particularly among tribal communities.

Inaugural Ceremony and Vision

The event was virtually inaugurated by the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh, Shri Vishnudeo Sai, who commended the district administration's initiatives in promoting value-based agriculture and improving livelihoods. In his address, the Chief Minister reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to empowering tribal farmers, enhancing market accessibility for forest and farm produce, and fostering sustainable livelihood models. The opening ceremony was attended by senior officials from the State Agriculture Department, NABARD, NAFA, elected representatives, the District Collector, and the CEO of the District Panchayat.

Participation from Farmers and Buyers

The event saw the enthusiastic participation of over 500 farmers from blocks such as Bagicha, Duldula, Manora, Kunkuri, and Kansabel. A total of 43 registered buyer companies—including agribusinesses, exporters, processing units, and startups—engaged with farmers and Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) to explore direct trade opportunities. These interactions helped foster partnerships and promoted better price realization for farm produce, contributing to the broader vision of reducing dependence on intermediaries.

Showcasing Jashpur’s Agricultural Diversity

The expo featured a vibrant display of the district’s agricultural and forest products, showcasing the region's rich biodiversity and natural farming strength. Buyer companies expressed deep appreciation for the variety and quality of produce. A notable highlight was the display of Anna apple varieties, cultivated experimentally in Jashpur—demonstrating the region’s potential for temperate fruit farming. This innovative approach stood out as a model for climate-adaptive agricultural practices.

Strong Presence and Role of FPOs

FPOs played a central role in the expo, with active participation from cooperatives such as Harit Kranti Adivasi Sahakari Samiti Maryadit Bagicha, Harit Jashpur Sahakari Sanstha Maryadit, and Sahayog Green Plus Adivasi Sahakari Samiti Maryadit Duldula. These organizations exhibited their products and entered preliminary trade discussions with buyers. FPO members voiced appreciation for the platform, which enabled them to connect with companies directly—many for the first time.

READS Receives Recognition for Rural Development Work

Rural Education and Development Society (READS), a voluntary organization active in Jashpur, made a noteworthy impact with its stall that presented a diverse range of agriculture and forest-based products. Their well-designed exhibit and high-quality packaging drew interest from visitors and buyers alike. Discussions were held with prospective partners on scaling up production and connecting with broader markets. The District Administration acknowledged the sustained efforts of READS in advancing rural livelihoods through innovation and community engagement.

Competitions and Awards Highlight Farmer Excellence

To celebrate innovation and excellence in farming, competitions were held in categories such as “One Kg Fruit with Maximum Weight” (Mango and Pear). Winners were awarded cash prizes for the top three entries in each category. A significant number of winners were members of READS-supported FPOs, reflecting the strength of collective farming practices and the results of hands-on support.

Looking Ahead: Institutionalizing the Agri-Horti Platform

During the closing session, the District Collector of Jashpur expressed heartfelt gratitude to all participants and highlighted the event’s success in strengthening market access and farmer engagement. He announced that similar expos would now be organized biannually, before Kharif and after Rabi seasons. The long-term goal is to institutionalize local trade ecosystems, minimize reliance on middlemen, and integrate Jashpur’s farm produce into national and global value chains.

The Agri-Horti Expo and Buyer-Seller Meet held on June 28–29, 2025, in Jashpur was not merely an event—it was a transformative step toward creating a self-reliant, empowered, and connected rural economy. The collaborative effort of farmers, FPOs, government bodies, voluntary organizations like READS, and private enterprises created a powerful platform for dialogue, innovation, and partnership. Jashpur’s initiative stands as a model for rural districts across India aiming to blend traditional knowledge with modern market strategies, ensuring sustainable development and prosperity at the grassroots.