Women Farmers Earn Rs 89 Lakh Through Sustainable Millet Cultivation

Berhampur: In the tribal heartland of Odisha’s Koraput district, a quiet agricultural transformation is empowering hundreds of women and reviving the region’s traditional millet economy. Nearly 500 tribal women farmers have emerged as successful agri-entrepreneurs through sustainable millet cultivation, earning more than Rs 89 lakh collectively.

The initiative supported by TP Southern Odisha Distribution Limited (TPSODL), a major power distribution firm, is being implemented in collaboration with grassroots organisation Pragati, covering 13 villages under Boipariguda block. The villages, among others, include Dadiapadar, Ghumarbeda, Banaguda, Uduluguda and Kenduguda. Women farmers cultivated millet organically across nearly 250 acres using improved farming techniques and traditional knowledge.

Among them is Nilabati Paraja of Dadiapadar village, who said the programme transformed millet from a subsistence crop into a reliable source of income. “We have cultivated millet for generations, but never imagined it could secure our financial future. With training, organic farming methods and market support, our lives have changed,” she said.

The women were provided with ragi seeds, natural fertilisers, cycle weeders and training in compost preparation using locally available resources. The results have been remarkable. Average productivity increased from nearly four quintals per acre to over nine quintals, resulting in a total harvest of 3,067 quintals.

Out of the participating farmers, 131 women sold their produce directly at government mandis under the Minimum Support Price (MSP) system, eliminating middlemen and ensuring higher returns. The initiative has significantly enhanced household incomes while encouraging financial independence among tribal women.

To strengthen long-term sustainability, 252 women have become shareholders in Jaivik Sri Farmers Producer Company Ltd, enabling them to collectively access markets, negotiate prices and participate in decision-making. A millet processing unit has also been established in the region for cleaning, dehusking and grinding, allowing the production of value-added products such as millet flour and packaged grains.

“Our role goes beyond power distribution. We aim to empower communities through sustainable livelihood opportunities,” said TPSODL CEO Amit Kumar Garg.

The initiative, according to Suryanarayan Panda, a local agriculture expert, signals the growing national focus on women-led development, sustainable agriculture and promotion of India’s traditional “Shree Anna” millet heritage.