An initiative to empower tribal farmers get fair trade prices by forming a co-operative

Tribal Cooperative Society Program by Rural Development Service Society, Andhra Pradesh

Project Objectives:                                                                                                                                                                         Annual Budget: $20,000

• End the exploitation of tribal farmers by usurious moneylenders in Vizag
• To get access to a fair market and prices for produce grown by tribal farmers

Impact:  

• First all tribal co-operative  in this region with 40 members from 7 panchayats
• In its very first year of operation, the co-op sold 4000 kg of kidney beans!
• For the first time, tribal farmers were able to sell their produce in the open market (in retail outlets in Hyderabad)
• For the first time, they were able to weigh the product accurately and sell it according to its true value
• Most of the members of this Co-op belong to the Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTG) and this experience has given them a lot of self-confidence
• After the first year of operations, the co-operative expanded their focus from kidney beans to include turmeric, jackfruit and pineapple as well
  

What is the impact of $1000 on this project?
For every $1000 disbursed, the project helps in saving two tribal farmers from crushing debt and exploitation by moneylenders