Nandapur, Feb, 3:While the State Government and Koraput district administration claim on paper to be working towards providing farmers with proper markets, fair prices, profit, and employment opportunities, a group of traders from Karnataka has demonstrated a practical model of “quick purchase, quick processing, quick profit,” ensuring both farmers and traders remain satisfied.
Intellectuals have observed that this initiative serves as a lesson for Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) operating under the supervision of the district administration’s Horticulture Department, ORMAS, Mission Shakti, Odisha Livelihood Mission, and various NGOs.
Despite record production of the district’s GI-recognized ginger this year, farmers have reportedly been forced to sell at low prices due to administrative negligence and weak marketing systems. However, a new trend in buying and selling has emerged in Nandapur block headquarters. Traders from Karnataka are directly purchasing ginger from farmers and local retailers, setting up temporary processing units, and transporting large quantities to Karnataka.
They are purchasing raw ginger at Rs25 to Rs30 per kilogram from farmers and local retailers. The ginger is then cleaned, peeled, sliced, dried, and dispatched to various spice and pharmaceutical companies in Karnataka. The traders have stated that their target is to procure 200 to 300 metric tons of ginger.
They have arranged land on rent for three months in Nandapur for processing activities and have provided employment to local women and men. By ensuring proper market linkage, prompt procurement, better prices for farmers, immediate payment, and local processing, the Karnataka traders have highlighted what many describe as the shortcomings of the district administration in marketing support.
Observers have remarked that the administration should learn from this model. Despite the presence of Mission Shakti groups, Odisha Livelihood Mission women’s groups, government agencies, and several NGOs in every panchayat, the administration has struggled to create such effective market linkages. It has been questioned whether the administration will take lessons from the Karnataka traders to create sustainable markets and employment opportunities for local products through local people in the future.
Meanwhile, the district administration and Horticulture Department have stated that due to their promotional efforts, outside traders have been attracted to the block area for procurement activities.
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