Paperman Media | Jajpur
A significant step towards women’s empowerment and economic self-reliance was marked in Sukinda block of Jajpur district as 253 women shareholders of the Sukinda Women Farmers’ Producer Company received their first dividend directly in their bank accounts.
The dividend distribution was announced during the first Annual General Meeting of the company held at the Chandi Mandir premises at Damodarpur under Dudhujori Gram Panchayat. The initiative is linked to a large-scale guava plantation developed as part of a women’s empowerment programme.
The programme was attended by Sukinda BDO Pragya Pushti as the chief guest, along with APO Sucharita Lekha, Branch Manager Binay Kumar Marandi, company chairperson Sebati Dehuri, horticulture officials and representatives associated with the District Mineral Foundation (DMF).
The guava orchard, spread over around 200 acres, has been developed across areas including Damodarpur, Botolanda, Mulakhamba and Bambilo mouzas. Around 350 local women have been brought together through the farmers’ producer company, enabling them to participate as shareholders and benefit from the agricultural enterprise.
Officials highlighted the initiative as an important example of collective farming, livelihood promotion and women’s economic empowerment. The first dividend payment generated considerable enthusiasm among the women shareholders.
Representatives of the company and supporting agencies discussed measures for effective management of the plantation and strengthening the women shareholders’ livelihoods through sustainable agricultural activities. Mrs Laxmipriya Parida, representative from Indian Grameen Services, the partner organisation fascilitated the AGM amd Fund disbursement.
