Bhubaneswar: As many as 452 women self-help groups (SHGs) have been actively involved in the paddy procurement process, spanning across 30 districts in Odisha this kharif season.
Ganjam district has seen the highest participation with 111 SHGs, followed by Bhadrak with 49, and Bargarh and Subarnapur with 20 each.
These SHGs have been procuring paddy directly from registered farmers, and utilizing it to create various products as per their needs. They are also providing services to different sectors, showcasing their entrepreneurial spirit. Each SHG is procuring paddy based on their individual requirements, demonstrating their autonomy and decision-making capacity.
In partnership with the district administration, the SHGs are not only contributing to the procurement process but also cooperating in making ancillary arrangements for farmers in every mandi. The state government is providing Minimum Support Price (MSP) and input assistance to eligible farmers within 48 hours, ensuring timely support to the farming community.
The involvement of SHGs in paddy procurement is a significant step towards empowering women and promoting rural development. As emphasized in the National Workshop on Empowering Women through SHGs, such initiatives can create sustainable livelihoods and distribute benefits to marginalized communities . By leveraging their collective strength, SHGs can play a vital role in promoting agricultural development and food security.
