To ensure sustainability of interventions, various Grassroots Institutions (GRIs) were formed since early 2000. One such GRI – Panchabati Grama Unnayan Samiti, created in 2002 after the receipt of Equator Initiative Award, operates in 16 villages covering 985 households, and benefits 4500 people. The interest accrued from the Equator Initiative Award and Genome Saviour Award is utilised mainly for agricultural and livelihood activities. MSSRF-BPTABC has undertaken initiatives to promote grassroots institutions by establishing Farmers’ Producer Organisations in the operational areas. The process of federating various SHGs, producer groups, farmers’ clubs, etc. is underway to benefit the community from the advantage of collective action and scale.
Gender empowerment
Periodic activities to build entrepreneurial capacity of rural and tribal women enhanced their income earning capabilities. This was achieved with programmes on post-harvest processing of agricultural produce; value-addition products; packaging, branding and marketing training; improved animal husbandry and fish farming practices; also, financial and business management exposure visits. With Koraput district recognised as a Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Site (GIAHS), custodian women farmers are therefore essential to conserve landraces and keep traditional farming systems alive. MSSRF-BPTABC strengthens the capacity of tribal women on characterisation, pure seed production, and nuances of the seed business. Plus, the centralised Community Seed Bank in Jeypore Centre caters to revitalising the quality and quantity of seeds, facilitating easy access for the tribal farmers in the region. Reducing the drudgery faced by rural and tribal women is a major priority, and mini millet mills at the household level are now available in several villages. Additionally, around 2500 households with a population of over 10000 have access to safe drinking water, thus reducing the burden on women to fetch water for daily use.
To ensure sustainability of interventions, various GRIs have been formed. A farmers’ cooperative named ‘Vikash Maha Sangha’ has been established involving 797 members who represent 40 SHGs and 19 FCs across three blocks. This initiative has resulted in a total saving of Rs. 14.6 lakhs with disbursement of loans to the tune of Rs. 2.48 lakhs for agriculture and development of microenterprises.
This cooperative has 61% representation of women in general membership whereas gender equality is retained in representation in the executive body committee. Panchabati Grama Unnayan Samiti created in 2002 after the receipt of Equator Initiative Award, operates in 16 villages covering 985 households, benefitting 4500 people, 65% of whom are in below poverty line category. The interest accrued from the Equator Initiative Award and Genome Saviour Award is utilized mainly for agricultural and livelihood activities. The project under Mahila Sashaktikaran Paryojana aims at facilitating 80 women producer groups involving 2500 women. The process of federating various SHGs, producer groups, farmers’ clubs etc is underway so that the community is benefitted from the advantage of collective action and scale.