Bhubaneswar: In a move to strengthen women-led enterprises and promote economic self-reliance, the Odisha government has launched a capacity-building programme for directors of Women Producer Companies, focusing on leadership, financial management and business development.
Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida inaugurated the two-day State-Level Capacity-Building Training Programme on Monday at Mission Shakti Bhawan in Pokhariput, Bhubaneswar. The initiative, launched by the Department of Mission Shakti, aims to equip women leaders with the skills and knowledge needed to manage and expand their enterprises.
Addressing the gathering, Parida highlighted the growing role of women associated with Self-Help Groups (SHGs) in the state’s economic development. She said women had moved beyond individual production to form Producer Groups and Producer Companies, enabling them to run businesses collectively and take greater control of their economic activities.
“Women associated with Self-Help Groups have been achieving remarkable milestones in their journey towards success. By joining hands and working collectively, they have transformed themselves into Producer Groups and Producer Companies, taking charge of their own businesses and enterprises,” she said.
The deputy chief minister attributed their progress to sustained efforts, determination, courage and entrepreneurial spirit. She added that the state government was extending support to women entrepreneurs through financial assistance from the state budget, interest-free bank loans, training, skill development and other initiatives.
The Department of Mission Shakti has partnered with the Xavier Institute of Management, Bhubaneswar (XIMB), and the National Institute for Social Work and Social Sciences (NISWASS) to implement the specialised training programme.
The programme will be conducted in 13 batches between October 26 and December 22, 2026, covering 320 members of the Boards of Directors of 64 Women Producer Companies across Odisha. Of these, 63 companies are associated with the Agriculture Production Cluster (APC) initiative, while one is a Millet Producer Company.
The inaugural batch saw 25 board members from five Women Producer Companies in Angul district participate in the training.
The programme will focus on key areas such as Farmer Producer Organisation (FPO) governance, leadership development, financial management, business planning and market linkages. These skills are expected to help women directors improve decision-making, strengthen business operations and identify new opportunities for growth.
The initiative also aims to enhance the managerial and entrepreneurial capabilities of women leaders, enabling them to expand their businesses, increase their incomes and achieve greater financial independence.
The department expects the programme to contribute to the state’s broader goal of transforming Lakhpati Didis into Mahalakhpati Didis by helping women-led enterprises become more sustainable, competitive and profitable.
Through focused training and institutional support, the initiative seeks to strengthen women’s participation in the business ecosystem and build a more resilient, inclusive and women-led economy in Odisha.
