VISAKHAPATNAM: The Lambasingi Tribal Products Farmer Producer Company Limited (LTPFPCL), based at Raj Pakala village in Chintapalle mandal of Alluri Sitarama Raju district, is revolutionising the lives of tribal farmers by enabling them to sell products directly to consumers, bypassing intermediaries.
Promoted by the Indian Institute of Millets Research (IIMR) and supported by the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD), the initiative fosters self-sufficiency and better income for tribal farmers. Under the leadership of ICAR-IIMR Senior Scientist K Srinivasa Babu, the organisation has grown to include over 750 members.
Tribal India Chamber of Commerce president Malli Bhaskara Rao has played a pivotal role in extending the reach of the farmers’ products to both national and international markets, eliminating the exploitation by middlemen that previously plagued these farmers. “Earlier, we used to sell our products at very low prices. Now, we are receiving fair prices, and our income has improved,” said Pampana Kannababu, a farmer from Pedabarada village.
Formed three years ago, LTPFPCL allows farmers to directly market products such as turmeric, coffee, honey, black pepper, millet, and home care items. The Farmers Producers Organisation (FPO) is operated entirely by the tribal community and managed by five directors and five promoters. The Bhagavatula Charitable Trust’s Krishi Vigyan Kendra provides training on value addition techniques.
Kuda Saroja, a tribal farmer from Siripuram village, highlighted the positive transformation, noting that their products are now reaching international markets. “We no longer depend on middlemen,” she added.
The FPO, which has achieved a turnover of more than Rs 1 crore, has secured partnerships with the International Marketing Agency in Bengaluru and MST Exports in Chirala. Discussions with APEDA and NVision are underway to expand into markets in Vietnam, Thailand, Australia, and Europe.
Bhaskara Rao said, “I have seen the struggles of tribal people firsthand. There are many government schemes, but due to illiteracy and lack of knowledge, these communities often miss out. My goal, through the Tribal India Chamber of Commerce, is to empower them to become entrepreneurs and reach global markets for long-term stability.”
Srinivasa Babu stressed the importance of consumer demand in the FPO’s success. “Initially, with fewer members, marketing was simple, but with growth, we needed expert help to expand,” he said.