A woman-led Farmer Producer Company in Assam’s Nalbari district is steadily setting an example in inclusive and sustainable agricultural marketing. The Navadeepa Organic Farmer Producer Company Limited (FPC), based at Kaithalkuchi under the Tihu Assembly constituency, has brought together 995 farmers from 29 villages of the Madhupur Development Block.
Breaking the long-held belief that small and marginal farmers struggle to access fair markets, the Navadeepa Organic FPC has been working closely with local cultivators to provide assured and remunerative marketing avenues. Since 2021, the company, under the leadership of its Managing Director Dipti Barman, has rolled out several farmer-focused initiatives aimed at boosting income and strengthening rural livelihoods.
The FPC directly procures locally grown crops such as mustard, maize and turmeric from farmers at fair prices. These are then processed into value-added products including mustard oil, turmeric powder, flour and gram flour. Organisers said this process of value addition has helped farmers secure better returns and reduced their dependence on middlemen.
Women play a key role in the functioning of the FPC, with both men and women actively involved in its day-to-day operations. Women farmers and self-help groups contribute by producing items like banana chips, pickles, vermicompost, moringa powder, bhadailata powder and manimuni powder, which are sold under the Navadeepa Organic brand.
To ensure wider market reach, the company sells its products through its own outlets and local markets in Nalbari, besides participating in trade fairs and commercial exhibitions across different parts of Assam.
Apart from supporting farmers, the FPC has also created direct employment for four people, including both men and women. Managing Director Dipti Barman said the close engagement with farmers has been encouraging and has given her the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the agricultural sector.
Maintaining product quality remains a priority for the company. With proper labelling, packaging and branding, Navadeepa Organic Farmer Producer Company Limited has managed to place its products alongside established brands in the competitive market