The Kerala Climate Resilient Agri‑Value Chain Modernisation (KERA) project, backed by the World Bank and the Government of Kerala, is inviting agri‑businesses and enterprises to form strategic partnerships with Farmer Producer Companies (FPCs) across the state. This initiative is designed to strengthen market linkages, boost farmers’ incomes, and improve access to finance and markets for smallholders.
What the Initiative Offers
-
The programme aims to establish up to 150 “Productive Alliances” (PAs) between FPCs and agri‑business players in three regions of Kerala.
-
Agri‑businesses — including exporters, supermarket chains, e‑commerce platforms, and large firms with a proven history of engaging with farmers — can apply to participate.
-
Selected partners can receive up to 60 % of alliance costs as grants (maximum ₹2 crore) for production investment, processing, and business development activities.
-
The programme also includes technical assistance for up to three years to help partners implement business plans effectively.
Purpose and Expected Benefits
-
Improved Market Access: By linking farmers directly with buyers and processing firms, the alliances aim to ensure better prices and stable market access for farm produce.
-
Higher Value‑Added Products: The programme encourages trade in both traditional and high‑value products (e.g., fruits, spices, by‑products like banana flour and herbal drinks).
-
Enhanced Financial Stability: With grant support covering a major share of costs, both FPCs and their business partners face lower financial risk in scaling up operations.
-
Climate Resilience and Sustainability: The broader KERA project supports sustainable practices and value‑chain development to help farmers adapt to environmental challenges.
Who Can Participate
-
Agri‑businesses & Exporters with a minimum annual turnover (e.g., ₹10 crore in many cases) and a commitment to working with farmer communities.
-
FPCs that have at least 200 members, two years of operation, and a minimum turnover (e.g., ₹10 lakh) can apply for productive alliances.
Reference: Kerala government invites agri‑business partnerships with FPCs under the World Bank‑supported KERA project with up to 60 % grant support for alliance costs. Kerala agri‑business partnerships with grants news article (Times of India)
