Executive Summary : | The project aims to address the vulnerability of Vulnerable Tribal Groups (VTG) in Jajpur district, focusing on their socio-cultural compositions, socio-economic and health parameters. VTGs are often marginalized due to factors such as poverty, illiteracy, malnutrition, and lack of access to healthcare. Utkalika Samiti, a non-governmental organization, has been working with poor women and livestock farmers in Sukinda Block since 2019. The project aims to introduce agriculture-based projects, focusing on diversified crops and value addition through tuber crop processing. The project educates and enhances capacity among 300 poor tribals in the Jajpur district of Odisha on tuber crop cultivation, harvesting, preservation, and processing. The project will introduce improved, high-yielding varieties to ensure nutrition security and raise income. The project will train clients to adopt scientific agronomy practices and establish networks with government organizations, banks, financial institutions, and R&D organizations. The beneficiaries will be organized into a self-managed producer company, maximizing profit and growth. The project will involve a multi-sectoral participatory approach, technology demonstrations, and extension services. The project will also conduct an end-line survey and impact assessment. |
Co-PI: | Dr. Sudhansu Sekhar Mohapatra, Utkalika Samiti, Bhubaneswar, Odisha (751007), Mr. Sumit Ray, Utkalika Samiti, Jajapur, Odisha (755051) |