Why Are Hotel, Industry, and Farmers Partnerships Essential for Growth?
Click to start listening
Synopsis
The hospitality industry is at a crucial juncture where forging partnerships with Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) is vital. These collaborations promise not only high-quality produce for hotels but also enhanced livelihoods for farmers. Discover the insights from government officials and industry leaders on this transformative approach.
Key Takeaways
- Direct partnerships between hotels and FPOs can enhance food quality.
- Reducing middlemen is crucial for fair pricing for farmers.
- Government initiatives support organic farming and sustainable practices.
- There are nearly 40,000 FPOs in India, aligning with hospitality needs.
- The Kumarakom Model serves as an exemplary framework for integration.
New Delhi, Nov 24 (NationPress) The hospitality sector must establish direct, organized, and enduring collaborations with Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs), stated a high-ranking government official on Monday. He highlighted that these partnerships are essential for securing a reliable supply of top-quality agricultural products.
While addressing the FPO-Hospitality and Farmers’ Benefit Summit 2025, hosted by the Federation of Hotel & Restaurant Associations of India (FHRAI), Dr. Devesh Chaturvedi, Secretary of the Department of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, noted that establishing direct connections between FPOs and hotels could create a beneficial model — increasing farmers’ earnings while allowing hotels to access premium, predominantly chemical-free ingredients.
India currently has approximately 40,000 FPOs, many of which provide produce that meets the hospitality industry's growing demand for clean, safe, and sustainable food.
He pointed out that farmers are trapped in an inverted pricing cycle, purchasing inputs at retail prices and selling their produce at wholesale, which can only be rectified through direct procurement collaborations with hotels.
Reiterating Prime Minister Modi’s advocacy for stronger agriculture-industry collaborations, he remarked that these partnerships would minimize middlemen, secure supply chains, enhance farmer profitability, and allow the hospitality sector to increase its GDP contribution and create jobs.
Chaturvedi emphasized that the government is promoting organic farming, GI-tagged products, and responsible tourism, citing the Kumarakom Model in Kerala as a standard for sustainable integration between industry and community.
During the Summit, Suman Billa, Additional Secretary and Director General of the Ministry of Tourism, stated that India requires a expedited, structured framework for farmer-hotel partnerships. He mentioned that this model would fast-track the government’s vision while improving rural livelihoods and fortifying tourism-related value chains.
FHRAI President Surendra Kumar Jaiswal also reiterated the commitment of hotels to procure directly from FPOs, contingent on consistent and quality-assured supply. M.P. Bezbaruah, Secretary-General of HAI, echoed the long-standing request for granting infrastructure status to hotels, which would unlock broader development prospects.
Point of View
The article emphasizes the importance of strategic collaborations between the hospitality sector and Farmer Producer Organisations. Such partnerships are crucial for enhancing food quality and securing farmers' rights, ultimately benefiting the economy and rural livelihoods.
NationPress
24/11/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Farmer Producer Organisations?
Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) are collectives of farmers aimed at enhancing their income and market access by pooling resources.
Why are partnerships between hotels and FPOs important?
These partnerships assure a steady supply of quality agricultural products while providing farmers with better income opportunities.
What are the benefits of sustainable farming?
Sustainable farming practices lead to healthier food options, improved environmental health, and better economic outcomes for farmers.
How does the government support these partnerships?
The government promotes organic farming, GI-tagged products, and frameworks that facilitate collaborations between farmers and the hospitality sector.
What is the Kumarakom Model?
The Kumarakom Model is a benchmark for sustainable tourism and community integration in Kerala, showcasing effective partnerships between industry and local farmers.
