THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU

PARADIP, MARCH 8, 2026

Marking the spirit of empowerment on International Women’s Day, Paradeep Phosphates Limited (PPL) celebrated the occasion with 534 progressive women members of the Utkaldeep Farmer Producer Company (FPC) at Hasina on March 7, highlighting the growing role of women in strengthening rural agricultural enterprises.

The Farmer Producer Company has been promoted under the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative of Paradeep Phosphates with the objective of empowering women farmers, strengthening women-led agricultural enterprises and improving farmers’ livelihoods in the region.

On the occasion, the Annual General Body Meeting (AGM) of Utkaldeep Farmer Producer Company was also held. During the meeting, share certificates were formally handed over to the women members, marking a significant milestone in enhancing their ownership, participation and leadership in the collective farming enterprise.

The programme was attended by senior officials of PPL including Palanisamy Velusamy, CMO & Unit Head; Sumit Senapati, CGM (HR & IR); Prasant Kumar Pradhan, CGM (F&A); Anil Kumar Verma, GM (Production); Ramesh Chandra Sahoo, GM (Finance); and Soumyashree Omprakash Sahoo, Chief Manager (CSR).

The event was also graced by Srinibas Swain, Sarpanch of Gopiakuda Gram Panchayat, along with officials of Mahashakti Foundation, the technical partner supporting the Farmer Producer Company in building the capacities of farmers and strengthening the organisation.

During the AGM, the Board of Directors of Utkaldeep Farmer Producer Company outlined the organisation’s future goals and strategic direction. Discussions focused on enhancing agricultural productivity, ensuring better market linkages and prices for farmers, and promoting value-added services for both farm and off-farm products with the aim of doubling farmers’ income.

Addressing the gathering, CMO & Unit Head of PPL, Palanisamy Velusamy, encouraged the women members and directors to further expand their engagement in off-farm livelihood activities and strengthen their collective efforts for the benefit of shareholders. He also suggested establishing a cold storage facility to help preserve fresh agricultural produce and minimise post-harvest losses.

The meeting concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by the Board of Directors, expressing gratitude to all dignitaries, partners and shareholders for their valuable participation and continued support in advancing women-led rural enterprises.