The Umeed Ki Kiran, Farmers Producer Organisation Cooperative initiated at BK Pora Block of Central Kashmir’s Budgam district, has become a symbol of hope for dozens of women who grow vegetables that are purchased by the organisation . This organisation purchases different vegetables, spices, and pulses from these women members and sells the produce directly to the markets. This venture has become a source of livelihood for several women in the area.
The formation and promotion of this organisation has been facilitated by Krishi Vigyan Kendra Budgam (CBBO) SKUAST-K
Razia Akthar, the chairperson of Umeed Ki Kiran Farmers Producer Organisation Cooperative LTD, informed Rising Kashmir that their organisation has been actively involved in grassroots initiatives in the BK Pora Block for the past year. Their primary focus has been on improving the welfare and enhancing the income of women in the area.
“Currently, we have 120 female members actively participating in our organisation.
This organisation is purchasing vegetables, spices, pulses, vegetable seeds, dried vegetables, pickles, tomato sauce, and mushrooms from these members, the produced is generated from their kitchen gardens and prepared for their homes. Following the purchase our organisation directly sells these items to various markets and the Parimpora fruit mandi. This enables us to generate a significant amount of revenue through our products in the markets,” Razia said.
She further mentioned that the female members who sell their produce to the organization receive a fair amount of money on the spot. Once these items are sold in the markets, the profits earned are distributed among all 120 women involved in the organisation.
“The women members of our organisation are also associated with self-help groups of the JKRLM in the BK Pora block. These self-help groups are also earning a good source of income, while the women folk are getting the opportunity to start their own business under the financial support and supervision of the JKRLM,” Razia said.
The chairperson emphasised that the Farmers Producer Organisation offers a platform and opportunities to all 120 female members, enabling them to enhance their vegetable production and diversify their kitchen gardens. This organisation provides a means for all female members to earn a substantial income.
She mentioned that if any female member has substantial vegetable production in their kitchen gardens, they collect these vegetables from their homes and provide them with instant payment. The items are directly sold to various markets on an immediate basis, generating a significant profit for the organisation, which operates in the local area.
“Since the launch of the Farmers Producer Organisation at the grassroot level, it has brought about a transformation in the lives of its female members. These women are no longer in a position where they struggle to meet the basic needs and educational requirements of their school-going children. The change in the lifestyle of rural women has had a significant impact on society,” Razia said.
“During the kissan mela at SKUAST-K, held on March 8, 2024, we offered various types of vegetable seeds to the local community. Our organisation had set up stalls at the event, where people showed great interest in purchasing these vegetable seeds. These seeds were originally sourced from the kitchen gardens and vegetable gardens of the Kashmir valley”,she said.
“The residents in our area who are keen on selling their vegetables, pulses, and spices can supply their products to our organisation. We have the option to buy these goods from them and then sell them directly to various markets. This way, the local community can generate a substantial income by engaging in marketing activities with our organisation,” she added.
Razia further said the demand for dried vegetables remained exceptionally high this winter season. She said the organisation procures these dried vegetables from women members which is subsequently sold to various shopkeepers. Additionally, women who possess small plots of land at their homes engage in vegetable farming, cultivating a diverse range of crops periodically.
“The demand for fresh vegetables in the market is steadily rising. Our female members are cultivating a variety of new and traditional vegetables, catering to the preferences of many customers who still opt for Kashmiri vegetables due to their unique taste and the availability of” different hybrid crops,” she explained.
Razia said the women must take advantage of the government schemes so that they become job providers in our society. She also encouraged women to approach concerned JKRLM offices in their districts. By becoming members of self-help groups, these women can access full financial support and work towards achieving success in their lives.
