October 6th 2024.
The small village of Sulumaha in Daringbadi is buzzing with excitement as the festive season of Dussehra approaches. Rupeli Pradhan and her family are especially looking forward to the celebrations this year. Even their neighbors, who usually struggle to afford new clothes for their children during this time, are preparing to join in on the festivities.
The reason for this sudden change in financial stability can be attributed to the support of food giant ITC. For the first time ever, the company has decided to purchase the entire turmeric harvest from the women farmers of Sulumaha. These farmers, who are part of a self-help group, have never received such a generous price for their produce before.
Jenima Pradhan, the president of the SHG, shared how in the past they would have to sell their turmeric for as little as Rs110 per kg to local traders. But this year, ITC has purchased their entire stock of 15 metric tonnes at Rs168 per kg. This has been a huge relief for the women who were previously discouraged from cultivating turmeric due to its low selling price.
This change in fortune was made possible through the efforts of the Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India, under the Union Ministry of Tribal Affairs. The federation worked closely with ITC to encourage the purchase of turmeric from women farmers in the district. And with ITC fulfilling its promise, the famous turmeric of the region will now be available in markets across the country and even abroad.
According to sources, the SHG - Pragati Van Dhan Vikash Centre in Sriniketa panchayat has earned a whopping Rs25 lakh from the sale of turmeric this season. The first truck filled with turmeric has already left for the ITC godown, with the help of Velugu association and Project Administrator Krupasindhu Behera from Integrated Tribal Development Agency in Baliguda.
Behera shared that this collaboration with ITC will not only benefit the women farmers but also help to bring their turmeric to various parts of the country and even overseas markets. To further support the farmers, a meeting was held where Behera, along with TCMDFI Regional Managers and other officials, provided guidance on organic turmeric cultivation.
As a special highlight of the event, a book on turmeric cultivation using organic methods was unveiled by an agricultural scientist. The members of the SHG also took this opportunity to request a room for a shop and a godown to store their harvest. Behera assured them that steps will be taken to fulfill their request.
The success of these women turmeric farmers in Sulumaha village is truly remarkable and a testament to the power of collaboration and support. With the help of ITC and other organizations, these farmers are now able to celebrate the festive season with joy and prosperity.
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