Empowering Women, Transforming Dairy, and Rewriting Rural Narratives
In Osmanabad District, the village of Ieet is witnessing a remarkable transformation led by a group of resilient women. The Sarayi Sakhi Farmer Producer Organisation (FPO), founded in February 2023, is rewriting the narrative of the local dairy industry and championing the cause of small and marginal milk-producing farmers.
These women, with a shared vision for change, ventured into the dairy business, marking their entry with the production and marketing of ghee since February 2023. Bhoom Block, where Ieet is located, is a hub for farming families involved in livestock rearing, making it an ideal ground for dairy activities. However, the intrusion of private companies dictating low rates for milk sales posed a significant challenge for farmers.
Undeterred, the Sarayi Sakhi FPO conducted extensive research early in 2023, mapping out the region’s farmers and milk availability. Armed with knowledge, a small processing unit was established in Ieet village. The FPO directors underwent training provided by SSP, equipping them with skills in operating machinery, milk analysis, and specific product preparation such as ghee, paneer, khoya, pedha, and flavored milk. Hygiene and cleanliness standards were also prioritized in the unit.
The uphill battle included convincing local farmers to shift allegiance from private companies to the FPO. Through household and community meetings, the women leaders facilitated the formation of new milk producer groups. Loans were secured to help women farmers purchase cows, enabling them to contribute exclusively to the Sarayi Sakhi FPO at fair prices. Today, the FPO is collecting and processing 20 liters of milk daily to create high-quality ghee and paneer. The directors are actively engaged in marketing their products, forging alliances with shopkeepers and hotel owners for wholesale distribution.
Their journey is not just about producing dairy; it’s about creating a network of empowered women, optimizing processes to benefit farmers, and rewriting the rules of the game. Today, the Sarayi Sakhi FPO stands as a shining example of what can be achieved when women come together to lead change from the grassroots up.
Swayam Shikshan Prayog
December 22, 2023