ecretary, Department of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare, Shri Devesh Chaturvedi, has called on India’s hospitality industry to build direct, long-term partnerships with Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs). He said that such structured linkages are essential for ensuring hotels receive high-quality produce while farmers gain better income and market access.
During the inaugural session, industry leaders including Mr. Rahool Macarius (Wyndham Hotels & Resorts), Mr. Vishvapreet Singh Cheema (Lemon Tree Hotels), Mr. Ajay Bakaya, Managing Director, Sarovar Hotels, and Ms. Ankita Jaiswal (HRANI & UPHRA) shared insights on strengthening a unified farm-to-hospitality network. They highlighted the need for improved last-mile supply systems, traceability and long-term procurement commitments that support farmers while delivering sustainable sourcing options for the sector.
Mr. Chaturvedi highlighted that farmers continue to face price disadvantages due to middlemen and an inverted supply chain. Direct procurement from FPOs, he said, would help increase farmer profitability, secure supply chains, and strengthen the hospitality sector’s contribution to jobs and GDP.
Supporting the view, Mr. Suman Billa, Additional Secretary & Director General, Ministry of Tourism, said a fast-tracked farmer–hotel partnership model would boost rural livelihoods and strengthen tourism-led value chains. FHRAI President Mr. Surendra Kumar Jaiswal confirmed the industry’s commitment to source from FPOs with adequate quality and supply assurance.
The event also featured a curated exhibition of 50 FPOs from 17 states, showcasing regional and GI-tagged products such as yellow tea, Himalayan saffron, forest honey, makhana, black turmeric, and Kandhamal haldi, giving FPOs direct access to institutional buyers.
Industry experts and FPO leaders participated in technical sessions outlining an operational roadmap for a national farm-to-hospitality supply chain.