Dr. Ramesh Mittal, Director, NIAM (National Institute of Agriculture Marketing), Jaipur,discussing the marketing challenges
Most of the Agri-entrepreneurs though technically strong, lack competitive marketing skills to sell their products. To update the knowledge, skills, recent trends in marketing, challenges and opportunities a webinar on ‘Emerging trends and challenges in Marketing of Agro based products’ was organized on 07.11.2020 at University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad.
Dr. Ramesh Mittal, Director, NIAM (National Institute of Agriculture Marketing), Jaipur, a subject specialist, expressed that in order to foster growth in Agro-based businesses there is need to promote food processing units and industries that have significant role in enhancing the rural economy. He also emphasized that is huge potential of rural development and will positively impact the national economy by exploiting the domestic and foreign markets. Student should explore the opportunities to start agro-based industries. He also opined that at present the export of agro-based product from India is low, it can be dashed if students come forward and grab the opportunities. Due to Covid-19 many courtiers are not able to export agro-based products he added.
Mr. Jitendrakumar Vice President, Godfrey Phillips India Ltd, expressed that focus should be given on doubling the farmer’s income, quality of life and food security by setting up more agro based industries in India and increasing the export percentage of agro-based products. He also advised that agriculture students should think of starting enterprises and involve in marketing of agro-based products.
Mr Rohan Kulkarni, CEO, Freshbox gave detailed note of the potential for marketing of fresh fruits and vegetables. He explained about collection of food products from the farmers, export of material to other countries, and challenges faced in marketing the agricultural products. The programme was organized by Dr. S. S. Dolli and Dr. Vilas Kulkarni. IDP officers Dr. P. U. Krishnaraj, Dr. B. N. Aravindkumar, Dr. B. K. Naik were present and conducted the webinar