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niche, further boosting the demand for millets.

3. Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation
of India (TRIFED)

TRIFED is a government-supported organization that works with

tribal communities across India. It has been instrumental in promoting
millet cultivation among tribal farmers. TRIFED assists in the
certification of tribal-produced millets as organic, helping farmers

fetch premium prices. This initiative has improved the economic
condition of tribal communities while preserving traditional millet
varieties.

These case studies highlight how FPOs are not only boosting millet

production but also adding value to millet-based products, making
them more accessible to consumers.

Economic Empowerment of Millet Farmers

1. Income Generation Opportunities through Millet
Cultivation

The cultivation of millets presents income generation opportunities
for small and marginal farmers, especially those in rain-fed and semi-
arid regions where millets thrive. By joining FPOs and adopting
improved millet cultivation techniques, farmers can substantially

increase their yields and income. This, in turn, contributes to poverty
alleviation and rural development.

2. FPOs as a Catalyst for Financial Inclusivity

FPOs provide their members with access to formal financial
institutions and credit facilities, which are often inaccessible to
individual farmers due to their limited collateral and financial literacy.
This access to credit enables farmers to invest in improved farming

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