Page 58 - Mann Ki Baat - English

Vegetable Revolution of Kalahandi

In Kalahandi, Odisha, a remarkable farming transformation is taking place through
Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs). Spearheaded by visionary farmers like Krishna
Chandra Nag and Dhananjay Nayak, these FPOs are empowering small and marginal
farmers by providing modern farming resources, technical support, and direct market
access. What began with just a few farmers has now become a thriving network of over
200 farmers, including 45 women farmers cultivating high-value crops like tomatoes,
chilies, and bitter gourd.
This initiative eliminates middlemen, ensuring fair prices for farmers and
boosting their profits. With support from NABARD (National Bank for
Agriculture and Rural Development) and the Government of India, these
FPOs are not only improving livelihoods but also preventing migration,
fostering education, and inspiring others to follow suit.

I started farming in 2006 with chilies and earned ₹2.6 lakhs in my first year. Over the
years, my efforts grew, and by 2022, I achieved a turnover of ₹1 crore 42 lakh, with a
net profit of ₹85 lakhs.
However, I realised that my success alone was not enough. My dream was to uplift
other farmers in our block and district, making them financially independent and
prosperous. With this vision, I decided to bring farmers together and helped them
grow profitable crops like tomatoes, chilies, and bitter gourd.
To achieve this, I formed an FPO with the support of NABARD, under a government
project. I was appointed the MD of the FPO, which now has 10 board members. Through
this FPO, we provide farmers with seeds, pesticides, fertilisers, and saplings, along with
proper training in modern farming techniques, irrigation, grading,
and packaging.
The FPO also ensures fair market access for their produce,
eliminating middlemen who previously exploited farmers
by offering low prices. This initiative has helped farmers
earn 2-3 times more than before, motivating them to
continue farming and improve their livelihoods.

Krushna Chandra Nag
Sancher Village, Kalahandi,
Odisha

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