ITDA Pushes Organic Farming Market Access for Tribal Farmers

The Integrated Tribal Development Agency (ITDA) is stepping up efforts to ensure fair and remunerative prices for organic produce grown by tribal farmers, Project Officer T. Sri Pooja said on Friday.

She was speaking at a meeting held at the ITDA project office on the formation of the ‘Made in Araku Society’, a new initiative supported by ITDA to promote organic farming among tribal communities in the district.

Sri Pooja said the society aims to empower tribal farmers by improving market access, ensuring better price realisation, and encouraging sustainable farming practices. She added that organic farming in agency areas is gaining wider recognition, and the government is strengthening systems to support its expansion.

The ITDA has also planned direct marketing channels for farmers, she said. Organic produce will be supplied directly to consumers in urban markets, including Visakhapatnam, through Rythu Bazaars and other platforms. This will reduce the role of intermediaries and help farmers secure a higher share of consumer prices.

In addition, Sri Pooja said the agency is exploring long-term procurement tie-ups with corporate companies. These partnerships aim to create steady demand for organic produce and encourage more tribal farmers to adopt organic cultivation.

The ‘Made in Araku Society’ will also facilitate organic certification for eligible farmers in coordination with APEDA-approved agencies, officials said. This will improve market credibility and enhance the value of tribal produce in both national and international markets.

ITDA Administrative Officer M. Hemalatha and farmers from 11 mandals participated in the meeting and discussed ways to strengthen the initiative’s implementation.