Structure
Grassroots has been initiating holistic mountain development through community organization amongst small and marginal farm women for past 25 years in Indian Himalayan Region. Programs aimed at sustainable livelihoods opportunities led to the formation of an independent community-owned business called Mahila Umang Producers Company almost a decade ago.
Umang is a collective of over 1,500 women farmers organized in over 100 self help groups engaged in three business verticals in order to supplement family incomes based on the principles of economics, ecology and equity.
Grassroots provides skills and knowledge to Umang regarding adoption of value chain approach and appropriate technologies in order to link farm gates with urban consumers. Being an active member of Fair Trade Forum –India, Umang believes in fair trade and not aid!
Project
Mahila Umgang Producers Compagny seek to
- Reach out to other producer-members/groups in order to widen the scope of activities.
- Link with marketing companies for strengthening marketing and sales through e-commerce and exports.
Themes of interest during the forum
How value chain approach of linking producers to distant markets is assisting in accruing premium value and thereby assisting in adapting to the vagaries of climate change impacting food security. Sharing their experience regarding organizing and building upon the capacities of Farmer Producer Organisations as a way forward for organizing sustainable livelihoods and poverty alleviation for resource poor farmers.
Kalyan Paul is the Co-founder of Pan Himalayan Grassroots Development Foundation.
He holds a Masters in Economics and Masters in Social Work
Anita Paul is the Co-founder of Pan Himalayan Grassroots Development Foundation
and the Founder of Chairperson of Mahila Umang Producers Company Ltd. She holds a Masters in Social Work.