LUCKNOW: Honda India Foundation (HIF) on Tuesday signed a memorandum of cooperation (MoC) with the Government of Uttar Pradesh marking the commencement of ‘Project Annadata-Sashakt Kisan, Samridh Rashtra’, aimed at supporting and strengthening farmer producer organizations (FPOs) in the state. This project focuses on enhancing the overall development of FPOs by improving their access to resources, providing market linkages and driving sustainable growth in the agricultural sector, according to a press release. The MoC signing ceremony took place in New Delhi in the presence of Surya Pratap Shahi, Minister for Agriculture, Uttar Pradesh and Honda India Foundation Trustees Vinay Dhingra and Katsuyuki Ozawa. Representatives from Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India (HMSI), Honda India Power Products (HIPP) and Honda Cars India Ltd (HCIL) were also present, highlighting Honda’s collaborative approach to rural development.
Speaking on the occasion, Vinay Dhingra said, “At Honda India Foundation, we are dedicated to empowering rural communities and enhancing agricultural productivity, aligning seamlessly with the Government of India’s vision as also reflected in the 2025 Union Budget. Initiatives such as the Prime Minister Dhan-Dhanya Krishi Yojana, the mission for Atmanirbharta in Pulses, and ensuring fair prices for farmers resonate with our objectives. Our efforts to strengthen Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) through Project Annadata are in harmony with these priorities as we work towards improving resource access and create a resilient agricultural ecosystem that will benefit farmers at scale. This collaboration will enable us to create a meaningful impact at the grassroot. We will continue to contribute towards the development of a more resilient and prosperous agricultural ecosystem.”
Under this initiative, HIF, through its implementation partner, will onboard and strengthen 10 FPOs across two clusters of 5 FPOs each, focusing on systematic evaluations, capacity-building initiatives, business planning and operational enhancements. This association aims to provide technical handholding to ensure smooth FPO operations and the adoption of modern agricultural practices. The initiative aims to engage with farmers, youth, environmental advocates, educational institutes, policymakers, non-profit organizations, and other stakeholders who are committed to fostering long-term sustainable practices and preserving the resources for future generations. The project is expected to reach over one lakh people in its initial phase, with the potential to impact 10 lakh individuals associated with agriculture in the long run, the company said.
