Tribal farmer producer company from Idukki launches drinking water brand ‘Anjunad’

Girijyothi Farmer Producer Company, a tribal farmer producer company based in the Marayur hills of Idukki, has launched a new brand of packaged drinking water called “Anjunad”. Girijyothi Farmers Producer Corporation is an initiative of the High Range Development Society and consists of more than 700 tribal farmers living in the Anchunad hills.

Sree Murukan, president of Girijyothi Farmers Producer Company, said this is the first time that a farmer producer company run entirely by tribal communities has launched its own brand of drinking water.

One liter bottles

“The brand represents the strength of our company,” Mr. Murukan said. “Initially, we launched single-litre bottles. We plan to set up a central facility in Marayur to produce half-litre bottles and other varieties in the future. Our primary aim is to source water for the brand directly from valleys in the Anchunad hills.”

He added that the company’s core mission is to market tribal products directly to consumers by eliminating middlemen. “Currently, tribal farmers are exploited by middlemen. This initiative plans to provide a viable market and fair prices for produce produced by tribals in Anchunad hills,” he said.

Mr. Murukan also stated that the company plans to open a restaurant serving traditional tribal dishes in the future.

By NABARD

“More than 750 tribal people are shareholders in the organisation. Initially, the company plans to distribute drinking water to Marayur, Kanthalloor and Munnar. We plan to expand and involve more tribal people from all over the Anchunad hills,” said Siby Maliyekkal, program officer of the company. He said that the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) is supporting the project.

Fr. Sony Philip, chief executive of the High Range Development Society, expressed optimism about the socio-economic impact of the project. “Members of Muthuvan and Hill Pulaya communities are shareholders of this company. The launch of the drinking water brand is a big step towards the open market. The company already sells other tribal products under its banner,” he said. Philip said.

Marayur panchayat president Jomon Thomas reiterated that the ultimate goal of the initiative remains to empower the tribal people of the Anchunad hills. “The local government provides all the necessary support to this initiative,” he said.

The brand was recently launched on the open market. Mr. Thomas officially launched the sales by handing over the first bottle to NABARD regional development manager MS Arun.