In Dalauda, a small town in the district of Mandsaur in Madhya Pradesh, a new chapter in ethical farming is taking root. With oilseeds as their main product, farmers of the newly formed Ashtamukhi Producer Company Limited (PCL) are gearing up for a journey that transcends mere certification—it’s a leap toward fairness, dignity, and global impact.

Backed by Fairtrade NAPP’s Pre-Audit Support Program, Ashtamukhi PCL is laying the foundation for robust Fairtrade certification. But this isn’t just a procedural step—it’s a movement. One that empowers farmers, builds systems of sustainability, and unlocks new global market opportunities for flax seeds, chia seeds, amaranthus, quinoa, and beyond.

Planting Awareness: The Power of Knowing Why

The journey kicked off with an immersive training session on Fairtrade principles—why they matter, how they work, and what they mean for smallholder farmers. From fair wages and decent working conditions to gender equity and climate resilience, the sessions made it clear: Fairtrade isn’t a label, it’s a lifeline.

Through interactive discussions, real-life examples, and shared dialogue, 31 staff members and 27 farmers across gained not just the know-how—but a deeper understanding of why the journey toward Fairtrade certification truly matters."

Mobilizing Villages: A Multi-Location Mission

Understanding that transformation must be inclusive, NAPP brought the training to the heart of the community covering Nimbod, Bhandariya (Rajasthan), and Khodana villages. —reaching producers where they live and farm. From the central PCL office to remote village corners, knowledge traveled hand-in-hand with hope.

Each stop deepened understanding, fostered trust, and sparked conversations around accountability, empowerment, and shared growth.

Beyond the Checklist: Building a Fairer Future

The training curriculum went far deeper than ticking compliance boxes. It explored four essential pillars:

• General Compliance
• Trade Regulations
• Sustainable Production
• Business Development

But perhaps even more impactful were the conversations around social justice—covering child and forced labor, gender-based rights, youth inclusion, and living wages. Farmers began to see certification not just as a requirement but as a reaffirmation of values they would like to hold close.

Confidence in Practice: The Mock Audit Experience

In a hands-on culmination of the training, a mock audit and document review allowed participants to put theory into action. This eye-opening exercise helped identify gaps, organize records, and strengthen systems—boosting their readiness for the real audit and nurturing a sense of ownership among the farmers and staff.

“The mock audit conducted on the final day was particularly helpful in familiarizing us with the documentation process. It significantly boosted our confidence in preparing for the upcoming audit.”
— A Farmer Representative

Growing Forward: A Future Rich with Potential

Equipped with fresh knowledge and a strong foundation in compliance, Ashtamukhi PCL is not just preparing for Fairtrade certification—it’s gearing up to grow beyond it. With a diverse portfolio of nutrient-rich oilseeds and grains, their journey paves the way to premium markets, enhanced transparency, and a future grounded in ethical, sustainable growth.th.

The Journey Continues: Next Steps for Ashtamukhi PCL

As the Fairtrade audit nears, NAPP’s support continues—through documentation refinement, deeper capacity-building, and ongoing mentorship. For the farmers of Ashtamukhi PCL, this isn’t just a checklist to complete. It’s a future they are cultivating—where sustainability is the soil, fairness is the seed, and prosperity is the harvest.