Assocom partners with Kansas University to launch startup project in rural MP

US-based Kansas State University (KSU) and industry body Assocom-India will launch 'Start Up F3 (From Farm to Fork)' project to rev up rural income in Madhya Pradesh's Agar-Malwa district from February 1.

"The primary goal of the Start Up F3 project is to raise rural incomes through improved crop yields and value addition, enhance nutritional status of children and provide an impetus to primary education," KSU Professor Sajid Alavi told reporters in Bhopal.

"The project envisions a farmer producer organisation (FPO) of up to 5,000 soyabean farmers who will also grow millets using inter-cropping practises with production level intervention provided in the form of best high yielding seeds and farm mechanisation, especially use of mechanised planters as a start," he added.

He further said that they have been roped in by the Ministry of Agriculture to launch the Start Up F3 project. According to him, they will help farmers come out with baby food (cereal) made out of soybean and millet.

"We will ensure that this baby food is tasty and accepted by infants and nutritious. This will help the farmers increase their income," he added.