Agra’s Mrinal Agrawal has a background in mechanical engineering. Despite receiving job offers from abroad, he decided to support local farmers through various programmes. So far, he has provided employment to many villagers through his business of selling milk products and vegetables.
Agra: Mrinal Agarwal from the Agra district of Uttar Pradesh is actively supporting local farmers. He has a background in mechanical engineering and even worked at IBM for three months. Mrinal received job offers from abroad, but his true passion lay in making a difference in his own community.
He had a keen interest in social work and was involved in a financial literacy program in a village. During this time, he had a meeting with NABARD officials, where he learned about the concept of Farmer Producer Companies (FPOs). It was then that Mrinal found a way to contribute to his local area. In 2016, Mrinal established an FPO under the name ‘Divya Bhoomi.’
The beginnings
Mrinal’s venture began with the production and distribution of milk and vegetables. He collected milk from local cattle herders, processed it into sweets and khoya, and sold the products in the markets. Additionally, the women from self-help groups were involved in making various items for sale.
Mrinal himself actively participated in marketing of these products. Furthermore, he and his team ventured into the sale of wheat and potato seeds and received orders for seasonal festivals. As the workload expanded, job opportunities were created for the local community. Approximately 30 villagers found employment in the vegetable supply sector, while around 40 people joined the seeds and milk businesses.
Sales in farmer’s market
In the year 2021, Mrinal initiated the establishment of a farmer's market. Challenges were faced regarding middlemen and government policies, however, Mrinal persevered and continued with his work. Currently, there are plans of re-establishing the farmer’s market in 2024. This market will enable farmers to sell their produce directly and easily to the retailers.
Job opportunities for the youth
Mrinal Agarwal has been operating an Agri Clinic and Agri Business Center for nearly a year. Here, students with a background in agriculture enrol in short-term courses. What makes this initiative unique is that the students who complete these courses find employment within their own Farmer Producer Company (FPO). Students get skilled in marketing strategies and because of their agricultural background, they efficiently carry out their jobs.
Working in the pandemic
Mrinal Agarwal shares that many problems and challenges arose due to the shortage of vegetables. And on the other hand, farmers were struggling with surplus produce in their fields. Mrinal found a solution to address the challenges faced by both farmers and the community.
He sought permissions from the authorities and facilitated the distribution of vegetables to 84 housing societies in Agra, ensuring that vegetables were delivered directly to people's homes throughout the pandemic. This not only provided employment opportunities for many people but also helped resolve the problems faced by both farmers and the general public.
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