In a collaborative effort to support Gajapati farmers in Odisha, SOA University has partnered with Livelihood Alternatives (LA), a social enterprise, to collectivize and empower the local farmers. The joint endeavor has led to the establishment of Debagiri Fed Farmer Producer Organization in Gumma block of Gajapati district. Under the market-linkage initiative, the first shipment of pineapples from Gumma’s fields successfully reached New Delhi. Mother Dairy, a prominent dairy and food company, will be marketing and selling these pineapples through its extensive network of outlets in the national capital.

To mark the occasion, the inaugural consignment of pineapples was offered to Lord Jagannath at the temple situated in Hauz Khas, New Delhi. The auspicious event was graced by the presence of Dharmendra Pradhan, the Union Minister for Education, Skill Development, and Entrepreneurship. This collaboration not only provides alternative market opportunities for the farmers but also serves as a safeguard against distress sales and offers the promise of fetching better prices for their produce. Sambit Tripathy, representing Livelihood Alternatives, highlighted the significance of this market linkage in empowering farmers and creating a more secure livelihood for them.