Mayurbhanj, Sept. 22 (UDN): A group of women from Mayurbhanj’s Udala block has demonstrated how collective farming and group marketing can create additional income opportunities for rural families.

Fourteen families from Bahubandh Gram Panchayat came together to cultivate vegetables with support from the Odisha Livelihoods Mission (OLM). Associated with the Birsa Munda and Matrushakti Producer Groups, the women grew brinjal and ridge gourd as part of the initiative.

630 Kg Harvest, Collective Earnings

The group harvested around 630 kg of vegetables in a single crop cycle. By pooling the produce and marketing it collectively, the women earned a total of Rs 24,010.

The collective approach allowed the growers to market their produce together rather than depending solely on individual arrangements, helping them generate additional household income.

Strengthening Rural Livelihoods

The initiative has also provided the participating women with an opportunity to take a more active role in supporting their families financially.

According to the Odisha Livelihoods Mission, organised production and collective marketing through women’s groups can help create sustainable livelihood opportunities at the grassroots level.

The Mayurbhanj initiative is an example of how producer groups can bring rural women together to strengthen agricultural activities while improving their earning potential.