In a significant move toward women empowerment and agricultural reform, the Andhra Pradesh government has launched a groundbreaking initiative that will transfer vegetable supply responsibilities for government educational institutions from private contractors to women self-help groups across the district.
From Contractors to Women Entrepreneurs
The traditional system of contractors supplying vegetables to government schools, Anganwadis, hostels, and other institutions is being completely overhauled. Women self-help groups will now take over this crucial role, marking a substantial shift in how educational institutions receive their fresh produce.
This revolutionary change follows the successful implementation of a pilot project in neighboring Vizianagaram district. Based on the positive outcomes observed there, the government plans to expand this model throughout the entire state in the coming months.
Comprehensive Support System
The district administration has already taken concrete steps to ensure the program's success. Proposals worth Rs 166 lakh have been submitted for vehicles and storage infrastructure required to transport and preserve the agricultural produce efficiently.
According to a senior officer involved in the project, "The district has established godowns in Vizianagaram town, Terlam, and Dattirajeru. Land acquisition has been completed in several additional areas, and we are taking measures to set up storage facilities at various strategic locations."
The support system for women farmers includes substantial financial incentives. Groups can avail approximately 90% subsidy on godown construction, and the government will facilitate bank loans specifically for women's agricultural enterprises.
Existing Agricultural Infrastructure
Vizianagaram district has already laid substantial groundwork for this transition. The region currently boasts 27 Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) comprising an impressive 32,100 farmer producer groups.
The DRDA project director highlighted that many women are already actively cultivating vegetables and leafy greens, with several participating as partners in Farmer Producer Organisations. He noted that agricultural yields are particularly high in areas including Kottavalasa, Jami, Dattirajeru, Bhogapuram, Ramabhadrapuram, Terlam, and Pusapatirega.
Currently, this abundant produce is being sold in weekly markets and shandies. The new initiative will redirect this supply chain directly to educational institutions, ensuring fresh vegetables for students while providing stable income for women farmers.
Under the district rural development agency's (DRDA) monitoring, women's groups will cultivate various crops and supply them to Farmer Producer Organisations, which will then handle distribution to educational institutions. The authorities are also promoting organic farming practices to enhance financial benefits for the women farmers.
