60% of the Indian population depends on agriculture. Thought leaders and experts are now advocating for policies for Sustainable Rural Livelihood over Welfare Packages. Government Policies, Technology & Agro Inputs, Credit Linkages and Market Connects are keys to enhancing sustainable and inclusive rural livelihood. “Rural Livelihood Summit 2022” was organized by The Bengal Chamber, NABARD and Grant Thornton on 11th July 2022 at Williamson Magor Hall, The Bengal Chamber premises. This summit created a platform for all stakeholders of Rural Development such as policymakers from the Central and State Governments, input−credit− insurance−markets providers, FPOs and SHGs to share their views and experiences. It was a unique platform to learn from thought−leaders and industry experts and practitioners through keynote addresses, case studies of best practices, success stories and sharing of emerging trends.

Shri Pradip Kumar Mazumdar, Advisor to the CM office West Bengal, Dr.Subrata Gupta, IAS, Additional Chief Secretary, Department of Food Processing Industries and Horticulture, Government of West Bengal, Dr. A.R. Khan, Chief General Manager of NABARD, West Bengal graced the inaugural session of the programme with their kind presence. Dr. Ashok Dalwai, IAS, Chairman, Commission of Doubling Farmers’ Income; joined via the digital platform.

The summit started with a welcome address by Mr Jayanta Chakraborty, Chairperson, Agriculture & Rural Development Committee, The Bengal Chamber & Senior General Manager, Indofil Industries Ltd.

The Guest of Honour Dr. Ashok Dalwai, IAS, gave his address on Central Policy & Schemes. He pointed out that livelihood can be secured either by welfare packages or creation of employment opportunities or both. However, he said that doling out charity cannot be a sustainable approach since human beings do not like dependence on others and hence the need for employment generation, especially in the context of the large population that we have.

While delivering the thematic address Dr. Subrata Gupta highlighted the case study of Bhangar FPO the first FPO of India formed in 2007, having 1700 members. It successfully produced and supplied vegetables to various part of Kolkata during the pandemic situation. The Chief Guest for the event, Shri Mazumdar opined that growth opportunities in alternative crops are being explored. He stated that the West Bengal government is aiming to scale up the egg production to 4 crore eggs on a daily basis by December 2024.

Dr. A. R Khan referred to a study conducted by NABARD recently on FPOs which showed that FPOs involved in fruits, vegetables and dairies increased their net income by 20−45% after they formed their organisation. NABARD has started a rural 'haat' scheme as also mobile rural marts through which FPOs can sell their produce.

The inaugural session was followed by 2 technical sessions to address the Plan for Evolution of Livelihoods of Women in West Bengal and Innovation and Productivity Improvement through Input Supply.

Other key stakeholders like Bayer Crop Science, Yara International, West Bengal State Seed Corporation Limited, Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd and Premier Irrigation Adritec Limited were present to address the agro−ecosystem for FPOs and SHGs. The Panellists shared information and knowledge which would show the way forward to enhance the sustainable livelihood of farm families.

The summit also had sessions focussing on Credit Linkage, Insurance facility and Market Connect Opportunities for the FPOs to gather knowledge and information from the key stakeholders who play a crucial role in generating rural livelihood.

Mr. Himanshu Vaghela from Friends of Women’s World Banking (FWWB, India) spoke on how FWWB was founded as an apex organisation in the 1980s to provide credit and capacity building services to community collectives and how they were also the pioneers of microfinance.

The technical session “Market Connect” had panellist from ITC Limited, Big Basket, HKB Agro Limited and PepsiCo. The panel discussion was followed by a Q&A session. The session enabled the FPOs to find the way forward to flourish while connecting with the major market players.

The concluding session of the summit provided opportunities to the FPOs and SHGs to share their experiences and success stories. Krishi Bikas Shilpa Kendra participated and shared their experience and also supported the summit as the Rural Development Partner.