I believe that continuous application and testing of the concepts which we learn, enhance our learning experience. I consider myself lucky to be a part of such a learning experience. For my field immersion module (FIM), I worked for a start-up working on onion issues in Nashik. The start-up was headed by a team of young entrepreneurs who have the drive to work on social issues and provide solutions through innovation.
Through my FIM, I got the exposure of the onion crop value chain and the various players involved in it. I got an opportunity to work with a farmer producer organization (FPO), which is offering support to the farmers in the Nashik region by assisting them with the production techniques to be used and also with the procurement of the produce.
While working for the problem statement, I had regular discussions with my partner, and we identified a few markets which can provide multiple revenue options to the farmers. After thorough research, we also proposed a waste management method that is feasible and can add value to the firm and farmers. We also helped the firm with social media promotions and budget estimations.
As the firm I was working for was a start-up, it was operating under a start-up-incubator that had been guiding the firm since its inception. The start-up incubator had a great culture where anyone with a business idea could turn it into a viable product through their guidance and support. It was a great experience for me because of the daily interactions I had with the innovators in the incubator. It ignited a spark in me to work on an idea that I have and turn it into a business solution (which I am currently working on).
As I mentioned in the beginning, FIM has provided me with a platform to apply and test the concepts I had learned in the classroom. It has given me the confidence required to survive in the business world.