Transformative Change for Women Farmers in Sambalpur: ORMAS’s Role in Enhancing Socio-Economic Empowerment

Abstract

The agricultural sector in India, predominantly sustained by smallholder farmers, has increasingly focused on empowering women to drive rural economic growth and sustained social transformation. However, persistent challenges include limited access to land, finance, and markets, alongside gender norms that further restrict women farmers’ economic potential. In response, ORMAS has implemented several initiatives in the Sambalpur district to enhance the socio-economic status of women farmers by focusing on skill development, entrepreneurial training, and institutional support through Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) and self-help groups (SHGs). This study examines the transformative impact of the Odisha Rural Development and Marketing Society’s (ORMAS) interventions on the chilli value chain in Sambalpur. It focuses on empowering rural women through FPOs, identifies ongoing challenges limiting their growth, and proposes strategies to strengthen these interventions for sustainable development. Additionally, it explores how ORMAS’s initiatives contribute to reshaping traditional gender roles and promoting inclusive community development. Using a mixed-methods approach, the study draws on both qualitative data from field observations and interviews with women farmers, as well as secondary sources detailing ORMAS’s ongoing projects. ORMAS’s interventions have led to notable improvements in women’s participation in agricultural entrepreneurship, enabling them to diversify their income through value-added products and promoting greater social recognition. The establishment of FPOs and improved market linkages have empowered women with collective bargaining power and access to new markets. Results indicate a significant increase in household income and yield per hectare, attributable to enhanced access to quality inputs, training in sustainable agricultural practices, and direct market linkages with corporate buyers like Bharat Masala. However, challenges such as limited access to land, credit, and leadership roles in community institutions persist, affecting women’s ability to fully maximize these opportunities. The study underscores the importance of building social capital, adopting gender-sensitive policy environments, and forming strategic partnerships. These actions are crucial for empowering women as agents of change within broader rural development frameworks and for the continued success of ORMAS’s initiatives.