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 the challenge of transforming from a community-based group into an enterprise capable of meeting international market standards. Despite their agricultural background, they lacked experience in export processes, quality management, and international market linkages. The group needed to enhance their capacity in aggregation, quality control, and compliance with export regulations to access global markets. This transformation required significant training, resources, and support to navigate the complexities of international trade.
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, Government of Odisha.
Palladium Consulting, the implementation partner for the project, provided market linkage and export facilitation support, including training on export procedures and quality standards.
Mission Shakti and the Odisha Livelihoods Mission (OLM) played a crucial role in strengthening the SHG’s institutional capacity and business capabilities, offering guidance on enterprise management and financial planning.
The SHG focused on aggregating Amrapali mangoes from local farmers, ensuring consistent quality and meeting export standards.
They established a robust quality management system to comply with international export requirements, including packaging, labeling, and documentation.
The group successfully exported 7.5 quintals (750 kg) of Amrapali mangoes to London, marking a significant milestone for a rural women-led enterprise entering the global market.
The successful export of Amrapali mangoes to London by Maa Kalijai SHG demonstrates the potential of women-led rural enterprises to engage in international trade. This achievement not only provided the group with access to premium markets but also enhanced the livelihoods of local farmers by creating a direct export channel. The initiative reflects a broader shift in the perception of Self-Help Groups, showcasing their capacity to participate in commercial agriculture and value-added supply chains. The export also highlights the importance of targeted capacity-building efforts, institutional support, and market linkages in empowering grassroots producer groups to succeed in global 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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