TPSODL initiative revives millet farming, empowers tribal women in Koraput

Bhubaneswar, May 14 : In a significant push towards sustainable agriculture and women-led rural development, TP Southern Odisha Distribution Limited (TPSODL) has launched an initiative to revive traditional millet cultivation among tribal communities in Odisha’s Koraput district.

The programme, implemented in partnership with grassroots organisation Pragati, has brought together nearly 500 tribal women farmers from 13 villages in the Boipariguda block to strengthen millet farming through organic and improved agricultural practices.

For the tribal communities of Koraput, millet is more than a crop — it is deeply linked to culture, food traditions, and livelihoods. Women farmers like Nilabati Paraja from Dadiapadar village say the initiative has transformed millet cultivation from a subsistence activity into a dependable source of income.

“Millet has always been part of our lives, but we never imagined it could also secure our financial future,” Nilabati said, adding that training, organic farming techniques, and market support had significantly improved their livelihoods.

Under the initiative, women farmers cultivated millet across nearly 250 acres using organic methods and modern farming tools. TPSODL provided ragi seeds, natural fertilisers, cycle weeders, and training on preparing compost from locally available materials.

The impact has been substantial. Average millet productivity increased from around 4 quintals per acre to more than 9 quintals per acre, resulting in a total production of 3,067 quintals. The sharp rise in yield has enabled many women to emerge as agri-entrepreneurs rather than remain dependent solely on traditional subsistence farming.

A total of 131 women farmers sold their produce directly at government mandis under the Minimum Support Price (MSP) system, collectively earning over Rs 89 lakh. The elimination of middlemen ensured direct financial benefits to the farmers, strengthening their economic independence.

To promote long-term sustainability and better market access, 252 women farmers have become shareholders in Jaivik Sri Farmers Producer Company Ltd. Through the collective platform, they are now able to negotiate better prices, access wider markets, and participate in business decisions.

The initiative has also led to the establishment of a millet processing unit equipped with facilities for cleaning, dehusking, and grinding. The unit allows women farmers to produce value-added products such as millet flour and packaged grains, creating additional income opportunities.

TPSODL CEO Amit Kumar Garg said the company’s role extends beyond electricity distribution to community empowerment and rural transformation.

“When women farmers are equipped with the right tools, knowledge, and opportunities, the impact becomes transformative not just for families but for the broader rural economy,” he said.

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

By combining traditional farming wisdom with modern support systems, the programme has emerged as a scalable model for strengthening livelihoods and promoting climate-resilient agriculture in rural Odisha.