Empowering Small and Marginalized Farmers through Sustainable Agriculture and Certification:
Eko Guarantee Division of Encon is dedicated to fostering sustainability in agriculture by supporting small and marginalized farmers through capacity-building programs, organic certification facilitation, and technical training. With a strong commitment to environmental stewardship, food security, and livelihood enhancement, our division collaborates with both governmental and non-governmental stakeholders to bring impactful interventions to the agricultural sector. We envision a future where small and marginalized farmers have equitable access to knowledge, resources, and market opportunities, enabling them to adopt sustainable and profitable farming practices. By bridging the gap between traditional wisdom and modern agricultural advancements, we strive to create resilient rural communities that can sustainably contribute to the global food system.
Key Focus Areas:
1. Farmers’ Training and Capacity Building:
Knowledge and skill development are crucial for the success of small-scale farmers. We conduct extensive training programs that equip farmers with best practices in:
• Sustainable Agriculture – Agroecological farming techniques, soil health management, integrated pest management, water conservation strategies, and climate-smart farming methods.
• Post-Harvest Technology – Training on proper handling, storage, packaging, and value addition of agricultural produce to minimize losses and enhance marketability.
• Beekeeping and Apiculture – Technical support for beekeeping, honey production, and valueadded bee products, providing farmers with additional sources of income.
2. Organic Certification Facilitation:
Eko Guarantee Division of Encon is actively engaged in supporting farmers and farmer organizations in obtaining organic certification. We work as a Service Provider for PGS India Certification in collaboration with state government in Jharkhand, Bihar, Gujarat, Goa and Uttar Pradesh, enabling smallholder farmers to certify their organic produce and gain access to premium markets. Our certification facilitation services include:
• Awareness and capacity-building on organic certification standards
• Support in compliance with Participatory Guarantee System (PGS) requirements
• Assistance in documentation, farm inspections, and internal control systems
• Liaison with certification bodies and market linkage support
3. Sustainable Livelihoods and Market Linkages:
We recognize that farmers’ prosperity depends not only on sustainable farming practices but also on access to fair and remunerative markets. Our interventions focus on:
• Strengthening farmer producer organizations (FPOs) and cooperative models
• Facilitating direct linkages between farmers and ethical buyers
• Promoting value addition and branding of organic and natural farm produce
• Encouraging alternative income-generating activities such as apiculture and agri-tourism
Collaborations and Partnerships
The Eko Guarantee Division of Encon collaborates with a wide range of stakeholders, including:
• Government departments and agencies promoting sustainable agriculture
• Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) working in rural development
• Research institutions and universities supporting agricultural innovation
• Organic certification bodies and regulatory authorities
• Farmer cooperatives, producer groups, and community organizations
By working together with these stakeholders, we ensure that smallholder farmers receive holistic support, from training and certification to sustainable business models and market access..
Impact and Reach
Our initiatives have positively impacted thousands of small and marginalized farmers across multiple regions. We have successfully:
• Conducted numerous farmer training sessions on sustainable agricultural practices
• Enabled farmer groups to obtain organic certification and enter premium markets
• Established community-based beekeeping enterprises for additional income generation
• Provided extensive post-harvest management training to reduce food losses
Through our continued efforts, we aim to scale our impact and further empower smallholder farmers to thrive in sustainable agricultural landscapes.