Jhumpura, Odisha - The air is thick with the aroma of freshly harvested green chillies as Sukanti Nayak, a tribal woman from the village of Kaliyapal in Kendujhar district, proudly displays her bountiful crop. Just a few years ago, Sukanti and her family relied solely on daily wage labor and subsistence farming to make ends meet. Today, thanks to the Mukhyamantri Janajati Jeevika Mission (Chief Minister's Tribal Livelihood Mission) and the support of the Champua Integrated Tribal Development Agency (ITDA), she is a successful chilli farmer, earning a substantial income and transforming her family's future.
Sukanti's story is not unique. Across the tribal-dominated regions of Odisha, the Mukhyamantri Janajati Jeevika Mission is empowering communities to embrace sustainable livelihoods and break the cycle of poverty. By providing access to resources, training, and market linkages, the mission is helping tribal farmers like Sukanti unlock the potential of their land and cultivate high-value crops like chillies.
"We used to depend on the forest for our livelihood," Sukanti explains. "But now, with the support of the government and the ITDA, we have been able to cultivate chillies and earn a good income."
Sukanti started her chilli cultivation journey with 80 grams of chilli seeds, carefully nurtured in a nursery bed. She then transplanted the seedlings onto a 60 decimal plot of land, diligently tending to her crop. Her hard work paid off. Sukanti has already harvested and sold 9 quintals of chillies, earning over one lakh rupees. With the harvest season extending until February, she expects to yield another 3 quintals, further boosting her income.
"I have earned over one lakh rupees by selling chillies," Sukanti says with a beaming smile. "This income has helped us improve our lives and provide a better future for our children."
Sukanti's success has inspired other tribal farmers in the region. The ITDA has been instrumental in providing training and support, enabling farmers to adopt modern agricultural practices and maximize their yields. The mission also facilitates market linkages, ensuring that farmers get fair prices for their produce.
"The Mukhyamantri Janajati Jeevika Mission has not only helped tribal farmers increase their income but also empowered them to become self-reliant," says Bishwajit Sahu, an agricultural expert with the ITDA.
The mission's impact extends beyond chilli cultivation. Tribal youth are being encouraged to pursue entrepreneurship and skill development, creating a ripple effect of economic growth and social progress in these communities. From computer and online services to poultry farming and rice mills, young entrepreneurs are seizing opportunities and contributing to the economic vitality of their villages.
The success stories emerging from Odisha's tribal communities are a testament to the transformative power of targeted government initiatives and community empowerment. By providing access to resources, training, and market opportunities, the Mukhyamantri Janajati Jeevika Mission is not only boosting incomes but also fostering a sense of pride and self-reliance among tribal farmers. As these communities continue to embrace sustainable livelihoods and cultivate their entrepreneurial spirit, they are paving the way for a brighter future, where poverty and marginalization become relics of the past.
