A tribal women-led FPO from Kandhamal district leveraging the GI-tagged Kandhamal Turmeric to create value-added products, improve market access, and increase farmer incomes through collective enterprise.
Impact Highlights
- 621 women shareholders
- GI-tagged turmeric value chain
- Turmeric processing and branding
- Business growth from ₹46.9 lakh to ₹1.31 crore+
- Women-led governance structure
From Farm to Fortune
Nestled in the tribal heartland of Kandhamal, Mandasaru Farm Producer Company Limited represents a remarkable story of women's collective entrepreneurship. Established in 2021 with 305 members, the FPO has grown to 621 women shareholders.
The region is known for its world-famous GI-tagged Kandhamal Turmeric. Before the formation of the FPO, farmers sold raw turmeric fingers for as little as ₹40 per kg. Through collective marketing, grading, polishing, packaging, and branding, the FPO enabled farmers to sell value-added turmeric products at significantly higher prices.
The organisation has diversified beyond turmeric into black pepper, coffee, vegetables, strawberries, dragon fruit, and non-timber forest products. Business turnover has increased steadily, crossing ₹1.31 crore in FY 2024–25.
Today, Mandasaru FPC stands as a powerful example of how tribal women can build successful enterprises while preserving traditional agricultural systems and creating sustainable livelihoods.
