AM/NS India strengthens women-led Producer Groups in Paradeep with Agri Value-addition Machinery

By Subrat Sarangi

Paradeep, Feb.27: ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel India (AM/NS India), through its flagship CSR initiative-‘Sustainable Agriculture for Alternative Livelihood’ (SAFAL) has reinforced its commitment to sustainable rural livelihoods by distributing two agri value-addition machineries to women Producer Groups from Barei and Chakradharpur villages in Kujang Block. The initiative is designed to empower women-led agri-enterprises through localised processing, enhanced income opportunities, and reduced post-harvest losses.

A mini oil extraction machine was provided to Sridhya Mahabeer Producer Group of Chakradharpur, comprising 21 women members. The machine will enable the group to process locally grown oilseeds, ensuring more revenue, improved quality control, and reduced dependence on external mills. Similarly, a mini rice mill was provided to Maa Mangala Variety Producer Group of Barei, consisting of 30 women members. With access to localised paddy processing, the group can now undertake grading, milling, and packaging, unlocking additional revenue streams while promoting locally branded produce.

Beyond machinery support, the initiative also includes capacity-building programmes covering operations, maintenance, financial literacy, market linkage facilitation, and business management. These measures aim to ensure the long-term sustainability of the enterprises, enhance household incomes, generate local employment, and boost collective entrepreneurship among rural women.

The programme was graced byShri Rohit Jena, Sarpanch, Bhutamundai, Shri Sanjaya Behera, Representative of Paradeepgarh sarpanch and senior advocate, Shri TrailokyaMalla, Block Programme Coordinator, Odisha Livelihood Mission (OLM),Shri Tulsi Mahanna, Block Technology Manager, Agricultural Technology Management Agency (ATMA), Kujang, and members of various women SHG groups. The dignitaries appreciated the initiative as a significant step toward self-reliance and economic empowerment.

The SAFALinitiative of AM/NS India, implemented in collaboration with BAIFDevelopment Research Foundation, seeks to enhance the income of small and marginal farmers through diverse on-farm and off-farm activities. To date, more than 1,000 farmers from Paradeep areahave benefitted from interventions such as organic farming, trellis cultivation, biogas plant installation, farm ponds, farmer field schools, and livestock management.