Incubators and FPOs….Kerala and Karnataka

Sunday 09 March 2025

Day 23094

The past week was about visiting two neighboring states Kerala and Karnataka

Travelled to Thrissur, Kerala for a meeting with KAU-R-ABI …an incubator focused on agri business. To assist Niti Aayog assess / review policies for Incubators.

A vibrant agribusiness incubator, many enterprising women and men keen to create new businesses.

A 3-day visit to Mysuru, Karnataka for meeting two FPOs. One in Nanjangud and another in Bettadapura. Understanding business opportunity in Banana + Coconut in Nanjangud and Ginger + Ragi in Bettadapura.

Farmers struggling to get reasonable values for their produce. Staying focused on the farming activity and quite ignorant about the value chain, use cases and end market segments. Thereby staying vulnerable and under the dominance of traders. Scared and unwilling to try out newer approaches to develop more consistent and better revenue streams.

The Isha coordinator who is aggressive, demanding. Needing inputs to develop solid reasonable Business Plans. Needs to develop the ability to work backwards from Market opportunities and not just focus on Product.

The Isha CBBO teams needing quick wins and results to boost their confidence.

Lots of fundamental tweaks needed to make these two FPOs move into a “winner’s mindset”.

Live Life To The Maximum!