In a significant step toward strengthening farmer incomes and expanding market access, Koraput witnessed a proud and inspiring moment during the District Level Animal Husbandry and Fishery Mela held at the RTO Ground. Large consignments of horticultural produce cultivated by tribal farmers were flagged off to distant markets, marking an important milestone in organised horticultural marketing in the district.

The consignments were flagged off by Shri Manoj Satyawan Mahajan, IAS, Collector, Koraput, in the presence of Shri Sudam Chandra Biswal, Deputy Director of Horticulture, representatives of Palladium, and officials and farmers associated with Jaivik Sri Farmers Producer Company Limited.

Facilitated by Jaivik Sri Farmers Producer Company Ltd, around 100 quintals of dry ginger were transported to Bengaluru, 240 quintals of fresh ginger were supplied to markets in Punjab, and 60 quintals of premium Kalajeera rice were marketed in Haryana. These market linkages are expected to help farmers realise nearly 30 to 40 percent higher prices, providing meaningful economic support to tribal households and strengthening confidence in collective marketing.

The initiative was undertaken under the leadership of the Department of Agriculture and Farmers’ Empowerment, Government of Odisha, with guidance from the Directorate of Horticulture, Odisha. The activities were facilitated under the PSFPO project implemented by Palladium, with support from the Gates Foundation. Through technical guidance, aggregation planning and coordinated logistics, the initiative strengthened farmer institutions and expanded access to reliable interstate markets.

Appreciating the efforts, the Collector highlighted the importance of organised marketing and emphasised that such initiatives play a vital role in ensuring sustained income enhancement for tribal farmers. He encouraged stakeholders to scale up similar interventions so that more farming communities across the district can benefit from structured market access.

Speaking on the occasion, Shri Sudam Chandra Biswal, Deputy Director of Horticulture, Koraput, said, “With technical guidance from Palladium and the coordinated efforts of Pragati NGO, which manages Jaivik Sri Farmers Producer Company Limited, this major achievement has been made possible today. Market linkage is the most effective means of ensuring fair prices for farmers’ produce, and in the coming days we are fully committed to strengthening farmer producer companies and connecting tribal farmers of Koraput to large markets across the country.”

Koraput, recognised as one of Odisha’s leading districts in horticultural production, continues to demonstrate how strong institutional support, technical expertise and collective action can transform rural livelihoods. This initiative stands as a powerful example of how strategic market linkages can empower tribal farmers, enhance income opportunities and ensure that the value of their hard work is realised in markets that truly reward quality produce.