A Game-Changer for Tribal Farmers

In the lush green hills of Koraput, where agriculture is more than just a livelihood—it’s a way of life—tribal farmers have found a new path to prosperity through the Koraput Tribal Farmers Producer Company Limited (KTFPCL). Established in February 2022, KTFPCL set out with a mission to uplift smallholder farmers by ensuring better market linkages and fair prices. Today, their success in millet procurement is transforming lives and creating a ripple effect of economic upliftment.

Enhancing livelihood through Millet Procurement

One of KTFPCL’s most impactful initiatives has been the Shree Anna Abhiyan, a millet procurement program that brought about a remarkable change for farmers. Partnering with the Tribal Development Cooperative Corporation of Odisha Limited (TDCCOL) and the Agricultural Technology Management Agency (ATMA), KTFPCL procured 3050 quintals of finger millet (ragi) from 205 tribal farmers.

Traditionally, farmers in Koraput struggled to get a fair price for their ragi, selling it at INR 22-25 per kg to middlemen. However, under KTFPCL’s initiative, they received the government-approved Minimum Support Price (MSP) of INR 38.46 per kg during the Kharif Marketing Season (KMS) 2023-24. This intervention resulted in an additional earning of INR 16 per kg, significantly improving their financial well-being.

Fair Prices, Transparent Payments

To streamline procurement, KTFPCL established three mandi points in Dasamantpur Gram Panchayat, ensuring easy access for farmers. What truly set this initiative apart was its commitment to transparency—payments were directly transferred to farmers' bank accounts within 72 hours. In total 205 tribal farmers earned INR 49 lakh more than that they would have earned through traditional market chains.

A Win-Win for Farmers and FPO

Beyond benefiting farmers, this initiative also strengthened KTFPCL’s financial sustainability:

• Mandi Hosting Charges: INR 70,000 was received for setting up procurement centers.
• Service Charges: INR 1,17,303 was received as a service charge from the Government of India.

Beyond Procurement: Strengthening Support Systems

Understanding that sustainable farming requires more than just market access, KTFPCL also focused on providing vital agricultural support services:

• Custom Hiring Centers (CHCs): Farmers gained access to essential equipment like weeders and sprayers at minimal rental costs, reducing labor expenses and enhancing productivity.
• Community-Managed Seed Centers (CMSCs): Women-led Self-Help Groups (SHGs) were empowered to run seed centers, ensuring timely access to high-quality seeds for farmers.

A Model for Rural Prosperity

KTFPCL’s millet procurement initiative stands as a shining example of how farmer-led institutions can drive rural development. By ensuring fair pricing, fast payments, and access to essential resources, the initiative has not only improved farmers’ incomes but also fostered resilience and self-sufficiency in the community.

As KTFPCL continues to strengthen its market linkages and support systems, the success of Koraput’s millet farmers serves as an inspiring story of collective growth and sustainable agricultural transformation.