About Us: We are Hargaon Farmer Producer Company Limited , a collective of smallholder farmers based in the heart of rural India. Our primary goal has always been to provide high-quality, locally produced goods to the market while improving the livelihoods of our member farmers. For years, we relied on traditional farming methods, but we knew there was untapped potential to improve and expand our operations. Our turning point came when we decided to seek the guidance and training offered by BMS Agri Business Training Center, a decision that has completely transformed our business.
The Beginning of Transformation:
Before partnering with BMS Agri Business Training Center, we were primarily involved in traditional farming, focusing mainly on sugarcane cultivation. We had limited knowledge of modern food processing techniques, and our market access was restricted. Our flagship product, jaggery, was produced using traditional methods, but we struggled with scaling up, improving product quality, and differentiating ourselves from the competition.
The situation began to change when we enrolled in a training program with BMS Agri Business. Through their expertise, we gained a deeper understanding of modern food processing, quality control, and advanced farming practices. This allowed us to not only enhance our production processes but also to explore new business avenues.
Training in Food Processing and Farming Practices:
BMS Agri Business Center provided us with hands-on training and expert guidance in key areas that helped us elevate our operations:
- Food Processing Training:
- We were trained on modern jaggery processing techniques that allowed us to increase efficiency and improve the quality of our jaggery. This included learning how to maintain better control over the temperature and refining our methods for flavor infusion.
- Under the guidance of BMS experts, we learned how to produce jaggery in over 20 different flavors, ranging from traditional varieties like ginger, mint, and tamarind to more unique ones like rose, lemon, and saffron. This diversification significantly expanded our product range and appeal to a broader customer base.
- Quality Control and Standardization:
- BMS Agri Business helped us implement quality control measures at every stage of production. We learned how to improve the purity and consistency of our jaggery, ensuring that our products met the highest standards.
- The training also emphasized the importance of hygiene and packaging, which allowed us to offer premium, safe, and high-quality products that could be sold in more competitive markets.
- Modern Farming Techniques:
- The training didn’t stop at food processing; we also gained insights into improved farming practices. We learned how to optimize our sugarcane cultivation, manage soil health, and use sustainable farming techniques. This not only increased the yield and quality of our raw materials but also ensured that our farming practices were environmentally sustainable.
- Additionally, BMS helped us explore crop diversification, which provided us with more income streams and reduced the risks associated with monoculture farming.
Brand Development and Market Linkages:
The collaboration with BMS Agri Business didn’t just stop at technical skills—it also included comprehensive brand development and market access support:
- Branding:
- BMS Agri Business helped us establish a strong brand identity under the name BMS Naturals. This brand was designed to emphasize the authenticity, quality, and natural goodness of our jaggery products.
- With professional packaging designed by BMS, our products stood out in the marketplace, making them more appealing to modern consumers who value organic, healthy, and artisanal food products.
- Market Linkage through FPO Kisan Mart:
- One of the most significant advantages we gained from our partnership with BMS was access to the FPO Kisan Mart, a platform provided by BMS Agri Business that connects FPOs to retailers, wholesalers, and end consumers.
- By listing our products on FPO Kisan Mart, we were able to expand our market reach, reaching a much larger audience both offline and online. This platform helped us connect with retailers who were specifically interested in buying organic and local products, and it opened up new avenues for direct-to-consumer sales.
- Offline and Online Presence:
- With BMS’s support, we were able to promote our products both offline and through online platforms. BMS Naturals became a trusted brand in our region, and our sales grew significantly thanks to the exposure and market linkages facilitated by BMS Agri Business.
- our offline presence at local markets also thrived due to the strong brand recognition we built with BMS’s assistance.
Results and Impact:
Today, Hargaon Farmer Producer Company Limited is a thriving, profit-making business, and the transformation we have experienced since working with BMS Agri Business has been nothing short of remarkable.
- Increased Product Range: We now produce over 20 different flavors of jaggery, giving us a competitive edge in the market. Our customers can enjoy a diverse range of jaggery products, catering to various tastes and preferences.
- Revenue Growth: The improvements in production efficiency, quality control, and brand development have led to a significant increase in sales. Our profits have grown steadily, and we are now able to reinvest in our operations and support more farmers in our community.
- Brand Recognition: The BMS Naturals brand is now synonymous with premium quality jaggery. Our products are recognized for their authentic flavors, healthy qualities, and eco-friendly production methods.
- Market Expansion: With the help of FPO Kisan Mart and BMS’s marketing expertise, we have expanded our customer base both locally and online. Our products are now available to a broader audience, including retailers and consumers across India.
- Sustainability and Growth: The improved farming practices and sustainable production methods we adopted have made our business more resilient and environmentally responsible. Our focus on quality and sustainability has earned us a loyal customer base.
Looking Ahead:
As we continue to grow, we remain committed to innovating and expanding our product range. The journey with BMS Agri Business Training Center has empowered us with the tools and knowledge to scale our business and improve the lives of our farmers. We are excited about the future and look forward to reaching even greater heights with the continued support of BMS Agri Business.
Conclusion:
The partnership with BMS Agri Business Training Center has been the key to our success. From advanced food processing techniques and modern farming practices to brand development and market access, BMS has helped us every step of the way. Hargaon Farmer Producer Company Limited is now a thriving business, producing premium-quality jaggery in over 20 different flavors under the brand BMS Naturals, with access to both offline markets and the FPO Kisan Mart. We are proud of the progress we have made, and we are grateful to BMS for providing us with the knowledge, resources, and market linkages that have propelled us toward success.