Background
In the tribal belt of Palghar, Maharashtra, women farmers have long faced systemic barriers to income security, access to markets, and leadership opportunities. Recognizing the need for structural change, Shop for Change Fair Trade initiated the formation of a women-centric Farmer Producer Organization (FPO) to create long-term, market-driven empowerment.
The Intervention
In February 2025, Ecovibe Krushi Producer Company Ltd. was officially registered. Designed to be a community-owned and women-led FPO, it focuses on building collective bargaining power, strengthening agricultural value chains, and enabling direct access to markets.
Projected Key Highlights
- 500+ tribal farmers to be mobilized, with majority women shareholders
- Capacity-building workshops on FPO management, bookkeeping, agri-finance, and government schemes
- Collective procurement of inputs (seeds, bio-fertilizers, equipment) to reduce costs by 15–20%
- Development of value-added products such as turmeric powder, millet mixes, and forest produce
- Introduction of digital dashboards and sales records to improve transparency and efficiency
- First-time access to digital identity (emails, e-training) for many tribal women
Projected Impact
- 30–50% increase in net incomes through improved input access and collective marketing
- Enhanced women’s leadership in agri-business and governance structures
- Strengthened resilience against climate and market shocks through diversified income streams
- A replicable model for scaling women-led FPOs in other tribal regions across India
Why This Matters
Ecovibe Krushi Producer Company is envisioned as a blueprint for inclusive rural development, where tribal women shift from the margins to the mainstream of agricultural enterprise. Through market linkage, skill-building, and collective ownership, Ecovibe aims to redefine what rural self-reliance looks like.