India, June 14 -- More than 20 Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) in Jharkhand have entered the organised retail market through a partnership with retail chain Apna Mart, a move aimed at providing farmers with direct market access, better price realisation and assured procurement opportunities.

The initiative has been facilitated by the Jharkhand State Livelihood Promotion Society (JSLPS) and is aligned with the state government's efforts to strengthen rural livelihoods and the agricultural economy. Officials said the partnership was developed through JSLPS and its SETU Cell (Scaling and Enabling for Trade Upliftment for Rural Women Entrepreneurs).

The collaboration began with the procurement of Amrapali mangoes from FPOs in Gumla, Sa...