About Vihara Foundation
A trust born from the belief that every Farmer Producer Organization in India deserves world-class professional guidance to thrive.
From a Simple Question to a National Movement
Vihara Foundation was born in 2020 when a group of Chartered Accountants, Company Secretaries, and successful FPO leaders came together asking one question: "Why do most FPOs struggle in their first 3 years?"
The answer was clear - FPOs lacked access to affordable, quality professional support. While large corporations have entire teams of CAs, lawyers, and business consultants, farmer collectives were left navigating complex compliance, governance, and business challenges on their own.
Vihara Foundation was established as a trust to bridge this gap. We bring together India's best FPO professionals and make their expertise accessible and affordable to every FPO, regardless of size or location.
Established 2020
As a registered charitable trust dedicated exclusively to the professional development and sustainability of Farmer Producer Organizations.
Our Mission, Vision & Values
Our Vision
A future where every FPO in India operates as a professionally managed, sustainable enterprise that uplifts farming communities.
Our Mission
To provide every FPO with affordable access to Chartered Accountants, Company Secretaries, and experienced FPO leaders.
Our Approach
We don't just advise - we walk alongside FPOs. From registration to scaling, we are embedded partners in your success.
What We Stand For
Farmer First
Every decision is evaluated through one lens: does this help the farmer member of the FPO?
Transparency
Complete openness in our methods, costs, and outcomes. No hidden agendas, ever.
Practical First
Solutions that work in rural India, not MBA classrooms. Ground-tested, farmer-approved.
Impact
We track and share clear metrics: revenue growth, compliance rates, member satisfaction.
Milestones That Define Us
Foundation Established
Vihara Foundation registered as a charitable trust with 5 founding professionals committed to FPO development.
First 20 FPOs Onboarded
Launched pilot programme across 3 states. Achieved 100% compliance rate for all supported FPOs in year one.
Expert Panel Expanded
Onboarded CAs, CSs, and successful FPO CEOs from across India. Launched free video learning programme.
100 FPOs Milestone
Crossed 100 FPOs supported. Launched Government Scheme Navigator tool helping FPOs secure Rs 5 Crore+ in grants.
National Recognition
Recognized by NABARD for FPO support excellence. Expanded to 12 states with 45+ expert professionals.
150+ FPOs & Growing
Launched comprehensive resource library with 200+ free videos. Aiming for 500 FPOs by 2027.
Technology First Scaling
Fully integrated the YieldWise digital platform for real-time compliance monitoring. Reached a total of 250+ active FPOs across 15 states with institutional-grade professional support.
The People Behind Vihara
CA Hemantha Kumara Y. S.
FounderPracticing Chartered Accountant with around 15 years of professional experience in institution building, governance, audit, and strategic support. Associated with the FPO ecosystem since 2013 and supported 500+ FPCs.
Sri Vinayaka V
TrusteeDirector and CEO at Thungeyasiri Farmers Producer Company Limited. Expert in FPO operations, member mobilization, and market linkage with 8+ years of field experience.
Sri Ramakrishna Hegde B R
TrusteeDirector and CEO at Malnad Horticulture Farmers Producer Company Limited. Experienced in rural institutional management and growth-oriented support for producer institutions.
Powering FPO Excellence
Across India
Whether you're an FPO seeking help or a professional wanting to contribute, we'd love to hear from you.
Empowered by YieldWise
Sustainability of FPOs is driven by data and digitisation. Vihara Foundation is proud to partner with YieldWise to bring institutional-grade technology and digital identity solutions to every farmer collective we support.
Learn more about the technology