A real industry success story, shared for inspiration — not yet a Trade Union customer.
Maa Kalijai Self-Help Group (SHG), a women-led collective from Angul district in Odisha, faced challenges in accessing international markets for their agricultural produce. Despite the region's potential for high-quality Amrapali mangoes, the group lacked the necessary infrastructure, market knowledge, and export experience to reach global consumers. Their traditional focus was on local markets, limiting their income potential and growth opportunities. The absence of export facilitation and quality management systems further hindered their ability to compete in the international arena.
The group participated in the Promotion and Stabilisation of Farmer Producer Organisations (PSFPO) project, supported by the Directorate of Horticulture under the Department of Agriculture & Farmers’ Empowerment (DA&FE), Government of Odisha.
Palladium Consulting, the project's implementation partner, provided market linkage and export facilitation support, enhancing the SHG's capacity to engage in international trade.
Mission Shakti and the Odisha Livelihoods Mission (OLM) played crucial roles in strengthening the SHG's institutional capacity and business capabilities, enabling them to meet export standards.
The SHG underwent training in aggregation, quality management, and international market linkage processes, transforming from a community-based collective to an enterprise capable of meeting export market requirements.
They successfully exported 7.5 quintals (750 kg) of Amrapali mangoes to London, marking a significant milestone in women-led agricultural entrepreneurship.
This achievement demonstrated the potential of small rural institutions to effectively engage in high-value agricultural trade, contributing to higher farm incomes and economic participation of women in rural areas.
The successful export of 7.5 quintals (750 kg) of Amrapali mangoes to London by Maa Kalijai SHG marked a significant milestone in women-led agricultural entrepreneurship. This achievement not only showcased the group's ability to meet international market standards but also highlighted the growing role of rural women in India's agricultural export ecosystem. The export was facilitated through the Promotion and Stabilisation of Farmer Producer Organisations (PSFPO) project, supported by the Directorate of Horticulture under the Department of Agriculture & Farmers’ Empowerment (DA&FE), Government of Odisha. Palladium Consulting provided market linkage and export facilitation support, while Mission Shakti and the Odisha Livelihoods Mission (OLM) strengthened the SHG's institutional capacity and business capabilities. This success story underscores the transformative potential of targeted interventions and institutional support in integrating smallholder communities into global agricultural markets.
““We started as a small group supporting our families and never imagined that our produce would reach international markets. Seeing our mangoes travel to London fills us with immense pride. This export is not only a milestone for our group but also a symbol of confidence, unity, and the belief that even small collectives can achieve big goals.””
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