Privacy Policy

FMCAS – Farmers Consortium for Agriculture and Allied Sector ("FMCAS," "we," "us," or "our") is committed to protecting the privacy of all individuals who interact with our platform, services, and network.

This Privacy Policy explains what personal data we collect, why we collect it, how it is used, and your rights with respect to that data. This policy applies to all users of www.fmcas.org, our mobile applications, and any offline interactions with FMCAS services.

We collect different types of information depending on your relationship with FMCAS:

FMCAS uses your personal information for the following purposes:

• Processing and managing your membership registration
• Facilitating procurement, trade, and auction business activities
• Providing farmer advisory, agri-input, and market linkage services
• Sending important notices, updates, and service communications
• Conducting training programs, workshops, and knowledge-sharing events
• Complying with legal obligations and government reporting requirements
• Improving our platform, services, and member experience
• Detecting and preventing fraud, abuse, or policy violations
• Processing payments and managing financial transactions

We do not use your personal information for unrelated commercial marketing without your explicit consent.

FMCAS does not sell your personal information. We may share your data with:

• Member organisations: State federations, FPOs, and partner bodies for coordination purposes
• Government authorities: When required by law, regulation, or court order
• Service providers: IT, payment, logistics, and communication partners acting on our behalf
• Research partners: Agricultural research institutions for anonymised impact studies
• Business transfers: In the event of a merger, restructuring, or acquisition

All third parties with whom we share data are bound by confidentiality agreements and are prohibited from using your information for purposes other than those specified.

FMCAS uses cookies and similar tracking technologies to enhance your experience on our platform. The types of cookies we use include:

• Essential Cookies: Required for the website to function (login sessions, security)
• Functional Cookies: Remember your preferences and settings
• Analytics Cookies: Help us understand how visitors use our platform
• Performance Cookies: Monitor website speed and stability

You can control cookie preferences through your browser settings. Disabling certain cookies may affect the functionality of the FMCAS platform. By continuing to use our website, you consent to our use of cookies as described.

FMCAS implements appropriate technical and organisational measures to protect your personal information from unauthorised access, disclosure, alteration, or destruction. These include:

• SSL/TLS encryption for all data transmitted through our website
• Secure server infrastructure with access controls
• Regular security audits and vulnerability assessments
• Staff training on data protection and privacy responsibilities
• Incident response procedures in the event of a data breach

However, no digital system is entirely immune to risk. FMCAS cannot guarantee absolute security and encourages users to use strong passwords and report any suspicious activity to us immediately.

As a user or member of FMCAS, you have the following rights regarding your personal data:

• Right to Access: Request a copy of the personal data we hold about you
• Right to Correction: Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete data
• Right to Deletion: Request deletion of your data subject to legal obligations
• Right to Withdraw Consent: Opt out of specific data processing activities
• Right to Portability: Receive your data in a structured, commonly used format
• Right to Complain: Lodge a complaint with relevant authorities if your rights are violated

To exercise any of these rights, please contact us at info@fmcas.org. We will respond within 30 days of receiving your request.

FMCAS services are intended for adults and organisations involved in agricultural activities. We do not knowingly collect personal information from individuals under the age of 18.

If we become aware that a minor has provided personal information without parental consent, we will take steps to delete such information promptly. Parents or guardians who believe their child's data has been collected should contact us immediately.

FMCAS reserves the right to update this Privacy Policy at any time to reflect changes in our practices, services, or applicable law. Significant changes will be communicated through:

• A notice on the FMCAS website homepage
• An email notification to registered members
• An updated "Effective Date" at the top of this Policy

Your continued use of FMCAS services after changes are notified constitutes your acceptance of the revised Privacy Policy.

For any privacy-related queries, data access requests, or concerns about how we handle your information: