Two days Capacity Building Training Programme for office-bearers of Farmer Producer Organisations was successfully organised on 21-22 August, 2026 under the chairmanship of  Dr.R.M.Naik, Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor, NAU, Navsari who has made a significant contribution to farmer-oriented extension activities during his more than 36 years of long and successful association with the University, delivered an inspiring address. He stated that this training programme would serve as an important milestone in creating the “professional and competent manpower” required to realise more effectively the Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision of establishing 10,000 FPOs. Emphasising that the welfare of farmers is the highest priority of the University team, he expressed confidence that FPOs, which are a driving force for the upward development and empowerment of farmers, would enable millions of small farmers to access better facilities and services while significantly reducing the cost of cultivation.

The programme organised for the first time in Gujarat, focused on strengthening the professional capabilities of senior FPO functionaries from Bhavnagar district, including Chairpersons, CEOs and Directors of FPOs with turnovers ranging from ₹1 crore to ₹35 crore.

Dr. H. R. Sharma, Director of Extension Education, in his insightful address, stated that “FPOs are the future of Indian agriculture.” He highlighted how FPOs can play a transformative role in taking the agricultural sector to greater heights by integrating a business mindset, bargaining power, and technology.

The programme featured five Lead Training Sessions on commercialisation of NAU technologies, professional management, value chain management, natural farming, market linkages and value addition, delivered by  experts including Dr. Jayesh J. Pastagya, Dr. Mehul G. Thakkar, Dr. Swati S. Sharma, Dr. Jwalant N. Zala and Shri Vishal R. Bhimani. Three Exposure Visits to the Centre of Excellence on Post-Harvest Technology, Banana Pseudostem Project and Bamboo Resource Centre provided participants with practical, first-hand learning. The FPO office-bearers highly appreciated the programme for its professional organisation, practical relevance, excellent infrastructure, expert guidance and farmer-centric approach, and considered it a highly enriching and rewarding experience.