From Producers to Profiteers: The Market Makeover Smallholders Need

The key aspect of inclusive agricultural growth lies in making smallholder farmers market-ready. Despite being the backbone of food production, smallholders often remain disconnected from markets, operating in isolation with limited information, weak bargaining power, and poor access to infrastructure. 

Smallholder farmers must be trained in quality standards, grading, packing, branding, and customer preferences, shifting their mindset from "grow and sell" to "plan, produce, and profit."

Equally important is investment in post-harvest infrastructure, such as storage, grading, processing, and transport, that reduces wastage and enhances value realisation. 

A market-ready smallholder understands demand, meets it competitively, and captures value beyond the farm gate. With the right policies, partnerships, and capacity-building, smallholders can evolve from vulnerable producers to empowered agri-entrepreneurs driving rural prosperity.