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. Around 500 tribal women farmers have emerged as successful agri-entrepreneurs through sustainable millet cultivation, earning a total of more than Rs 89 lakh.
The initiative, supported by TP Southern Odisha Distribution Limited (TPSODL), a major power distribution company, is being implemented in collaboration with grassroots organization Pragati, covering 13 villages under Boipariguda block. The villages include Dadiapadar, Ghumarbeda, Banaguda, Uduluguda and Kenduguda. Women farmers grew millet organically on an area of ​​approximately 250 acres, using advanced agricultural techniques and traditional knowledge.
Among them is Nilabati Paraja from Dadiapadar village, who says the program has transformed millet from a subsistence crop into a reliable source of income. “We have been growing millet for generations, but we never thought it would secure our financial future. Our lives have changed with education, organic farming methods and market support,” he said.
The women were trained on ragi seeds, natural fertilisers, cyclic weeding tools and compost preparation using locally available resources. The results are remarkable. Average productivity increased from about four quintals per acre to over nine quintals, resulting in a total harvest of 3,067 quintals.
Among the participating farmers, 131 women sold their produce directly in government mandis under the Minimum Support Price (MSP) system, eliminating middlemen and ensuring higher returns. The initiative has significantly increased household incomes while promoting financial independence among tribal women.
To strengthen long-term sustainability, 252 women became shareholders of Jaivik Sri Farmers Producer Company Ltd, allowing them to collectively access markets, negotiate prices and participate in decision-making processes. A millet processing unit for cleaning, dehusking and grinding, which allows the production of value-added products such as millet flour and packaged grains, was also established in the region.
“Our mission goes beyond energy distribution. We aim to empower communities through sustainable livelihood opportunities,” said Amit Kumar Garg, CEO of TPSODL.
According to local agriculture expert Suryanarayan Panda, the initiative signals the increasing national focus on women-led development, sustainable agriculture and promotion of India’s traditional “Shree Anna” millet heritage.
