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Defence Personnel Embrace Entrepreneurship Strengthening the Farmer Producer Companies
(FPCs)

EDII in collaboration with the Directorate General Resettlement, Department of Ex-
Servicemen Welfare (Ministry of Defence) successfully concluded a 12-week specialised Concerted efforts are required to handhold farmers and other primary producers. Farmer
Entrepreneurial Training Programme for Defence Personnel, specifically Junior Producer Companies are credible entities that undertake the onus of livelihood and income
improvements among its members. These companies ably bridge the gap between small
Commissioned Officers (JCOs) and personnel of other ranks (ORs) from the Indian Army, Navy,
and Air Force. The training programme was held from February 10th to May 2nd, 2025, the and marginal farmers and the mainstream supply chain.
programme equipped 37 participants with essential tools and knowledge to transition into However, despite their potential, many FPCs struggle to achieve profitability, scalability and
civilian life and pursue entrepreneurial ventures. sustainability. Recognising these challenges and the need to equip farmer collectives with
The course covered a wide array of entrepreneurship related topics, including business the skills and knowledge to thrive in a dynamic economic environment, EDII designed a
ideation, planning, financial management, marketing, leadership, and the practical execution tailor-made training programme after extensive consultations with FPCs across the country.
of business strategies. Through a balanced mix of lectures, interactive workshops, guest The programme aimed to address the structural, financial, operational, and policy-related
hurdles impeding their growth.
speaker sessions and practical exercises, the programme aimed to instil a comprehensive
understanding of entrepreneurship. The six-day Capacity Development Training Programm, held from April 21 to 26, 2025,
witnessed dynamic participation from 26 leaders and officers of 13 Farmer Producer
The valedictory ceremony was graced by Major Mansor Ahammad from 16 Maratha Light
Infantry, who acknowledged the dedication of the participants and praised EDII for its efforts Companies (FPCs) from Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, Uttarakhand, Rajasthan,
in empowering defence personnel through entrepreneurship. He said, "Over the past three Assam and West Bengal. The representatives from the sponsoring organisation, Access
months of this training, it is evident from the feedback that you have gained valuable insights Development Services, New Delhi, were also present.
into entrepreneurship. As defence personnel, you have successfully completed your first The programme consisted of interactive sessions, case studies, exposure visits, market
innings in service to the nation—now it's time to prepare for your second innings. I am simulations, peer learning & collaboration and group exercises, laying the foundation for
confident that you will step into this new phase with the same dedication and achieve stronger and more resilient farmer-led enterprises. It aimed to strengthen the institutional
remarkable success." and business capacities of the FPCs for sustainable operations, market integration and

higher income of farmers. The FPC leaders and officers were trained in marketing strategy,
value chain analysis & collaboration, supply chain alternate, business incubation, risk
management, HR planning, digital platform, effective market linkages and branding
proposition. According to Programme Director, Sivan Ambattu, “ This initiative will visibly
empower FPCs to become innovative, future-ready and key contributors to the rural agri
economy.”

(7th from R) Major Mansor Ahammad from 16 Maratha Light Infantry and (8th from R) Dr. Sunil Shukla, Director
General, EDII with the participants of the Entrepreneurial Training of Defence Personnel.

This initiative not only marks the beginning of new entrepreneurial journeys for the defence
personnel but also reinforces EDII's commitment to nation-building through inclusive and
Participants with Dr. Sunil Shukla, Director General, EDII.
purpose-driven entrepreneurship.

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