Success Story of Mahalungi Tribal Farmers Group: A Model for Sustainable Agriculture

Introduction

In the tribal region of Akole Taluka, Ahmednagar district, Maharashtra, a group of visionary farmers came together to form the Mahalungi Tribal Farmers Group in 2018-19. With support from the Maharashtra State Agriculture Department, this initiative has grown into a sustainable and profitable farming model. The group has been instrumental in leveraging government schemes and modern agricultural techniques to enhance productivity and profitability.

Formation and Government Support

The Maharashtra government has actively promoted group farming by providing financial aid and resources. The Mahalungi Tribal Farmers Group was granted several subsidies and essential infrastructure, including:

• Farm Equipment Bank
• 26 Acres of Shade Net House
• Nursery for Sapling Production
• Lower Mill and Oil Mill
• Drip Irrigation System
• Vegetable Washer and Dryer
• Cold Storage Vehicles (2-ton & 4-ton capacity)
• Rice Mill and Power Tiller
• Fish Farming Assistance

Financial Assistance Details

The group has received ₹1 crore (10 million INR) in total grants, distributed as follows:

Agricultural Achievements

With the 26-acre shade net house, the group cultivates high-value crops such as:

• Color Capsicum (Bell Pepper)
• English Cucumber
• Pole Beans
• Exotic Vegetables (Red Cabbage, Iceberg Lettuce, Zucchini, Celery, Mint, etc.)

The produce is supplied to major markets in Mumbai (Dadar) and Pune, ensuring premium prices for the farmers. Additionally, agreements with Big Basket, Kisan Connect, and Big Bazaar have helped in securing a steady market, reducing dependency on middlemen.

Value Addition and Supply Chain Management

The company has established an integrated value chain from nursery to market distribution:

• Own Nursery for seedling production
• Vegetable Processing Unit (washing, drying, and packaging)
• Cold Storage & Transportation for fresh produce supply
• Contract Farming & Direct Sales through e-commerce platforms

Economic Impact

The initiative has significantly boosted the financial stability of tribal farmers. Key economic indicators:

• Annual Turnover: ₹26 lakh (2.6 million INR)
• Net Profit: ₹12 lakh (1.2 million INR)
• Total Registered Farmers: 558 tribal farmers

Conclusion

The Mahalungi Tribal Farmers Group is a model example of community-driven agricultural development. Their success demonstrates the potential of organized farming, modern technology, and government support in transforming rural livelihoods. This initiative has not only empowered tribal farmers but also contributed to sustainable and profitable agriculture in Maharashtra.