TPSODL revives millet farming in Odisha, empowering tribal women farmers in Koraput

Bhubaneswar, May 14 (UNI) TP Southern Odisha Distribution Limited (TPSODL) has launched a transformative initiative to revive millet cultivation among tribal and farming communities in Odisha, where millet is not just a crop but a deeply rooted way of life.

Recognising the cultural and economic significance of millet, women from 13 villages in Boipariguda block of Koraput district have united to strengthen traditional millet farming through organic and improved agricultural practices.

Among them is Nilabati Paraja from Dadiapadar village, who said millet had always been part of their lives, but they had never imagined it could also secure their financial future.

She said access to organic farming methods, training, and market support had transformed their traditional crop into a sustainable source of livelihood.

With support from TPSODL and its grassroots implementation partner Pragati, nearly 500 women farmers cultivated millet across around 250 acres using organic techniques and modernised practices.

The women were provided with ragi seeds, natural fertilisers, cycle weeders, and training on preparing compost from locally available materials.

The initiative has delivered remarkable outcomes. Average millet yields, which previously stood at around 4 quintals per acre, have increased to over 9 quintals per acre, resulting in a total harvest of 3,067 quintals.

This sharp rise in productivity has enabled many women farmers to move beyond subsistence agriculture and emerge as agri-entrepreneurs.
A total of 131 women farmers sold their produce at government mandis under the Minimum Support Price (MSP) system, collectively earning more than Rs 89 lakh.

With no middlemen involved, the income reached the farmers directly, significantly improving their financial independence.

To strengthen long-term sustainability and market access, 252 women have become shareholders in Jaivik Sri Farmers Producer Company Ltd.

Through this collective platform, they are now able to access larger markets, negotiate better prices, and participate in decision-making as equal stakeholders.
A millet processing unit has also been established in the region with facilities for cleaning, dehusking, and grinding.

This has enabled women to produce value-added products such as millet flour and packaged grains, further enhancing income opportunities.
TPSODL CEO Amit Kumar Garg said the company’s role extends beyond power distribution to community empowerment.

He said when women farmers are equipped with the right tools, knowledge, and opportunities, the impact is transformative not only for individual families but also for the broader rural economy of Southern Odisha.

The initiative aligns with national priorities such as women-led development, sustainable agriculture, farmer collectivisation, and the promotion of “Shree Anna,” India’s celebrated millet heritage.

By combining traditional agricultural wisdom with modern support systems, the programme demonstrates how local practices can be transformed into scalable, future-ready livelihood models for rural communities.