Supports women’s income, entrepreneurship, and self-reliance

 

THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU

BERHAMPUR, MAY 14, 2026

Across India’s rural landscape, millet has long symbolized sustenance, heritage, and resilience. For many tribal and farming communities, it is not merely a crop but a way of life. Recognizing the immense potential of this age-old tradition, TP Southern Odisha Distribution Limited (TPSODL) launched an initiative that has today emerged as a model for women-led rural transformation across the country.

In the Boipariguda block of Koraput, women from 13 villages—Dadiapadar, Ghumarbeda, Banaguda, Uduluguda, Kangarpar, Ranganiguda, Minarbali, Sapguda, Kenduguda, Gatanguda, Guma, Bhejaguda, and Majhiguda — joined hands to revive millet cultivation with renewed strength and opportunity. Among them is Nilabati Paraja from Dadiapadar village, who says, “We have grown millet all our lives, but never imagined it could secure our financial future. With organic methods, training, and market support, our traditional crop has changed our lives.”

With support from TPSODL and its grassroots partner Pragati, nearly 500 women farmers cultivated around 250 acres of millet using organic and improved agricultural practices. They received ragi seeds, natural fertilizers, cycle weeders, and training on preparing compost from locally available resources.

The results have been remarkable. Yields, which earlier averaged 4 quintals per acre, have increased to more than 9 quintals, resulting in a total harvest of 3,067 quintals. The transition from subsistence farming to income generation has empowered the women to think and operate as agri-entrepreneurs.

Out of these farmers, 131 women sold their produce at government mandis through the Minimum Support Price system, earning a combined income of over ₹89 lakh. With no intermediaries involved, the financial benefits directly reached the farmers—an important achievement reflecting the aspirations of rural women across India.

To ensure sustainable growth and stronger market access, 252 women have also become shareholders in Jaivik Sri Farmers Producer Company Ltd. This collective has enabled them to access markets, negotiate better prices, and participate in decision-making as equal stakeholders. A millet processing unit has also been established in the region, equipped for cleaning, dehusking, and grinding, enabling the women to produce value-added products such as millet flour and packaged grains.

 “Our role goes beyond power supply. We aim to empower communities,” said Amit Kumar Garg, CEO of TPSODL. “When women farmers are supported with the right tools and opportunities, the impact is transformative — not just for families, but for rural economies across Southern Odisha,” he added.

The initiative strongly reflects national priorities such as women-led development, farmer collectivization, sustainable agriculture, and the promotion of “Shree Anna” — India’s celebrated millet heritage. It demonstrates how local traditions, when strengthened with knowledge and resources, can create scalable and future-ready livelihoods.

From the villages of Doraguda Panchayat to the broader rural landscape of India, this story carries a powerful message: when women lead, communities prosper and the nation grows stronger. TPSODL continues to illuminate lives not only through power supply, but also through purpose, dignity, and opportunity.