“From Barkote to Kolkata: A Journey of Resilience”

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When watermelon comes in contact with water then its price significantly drops. Transportation being another major issue the produce was not able to reach distant markets. But this time LA’s partner FPO Barkote FED FPCL had decided for an intervention putting farmer’s interest first.

Under the guidance of Lambodar Pradhan, CEO of Barkote FED FPCL, the farmers pooled their resources together. They organized transport, coordinated logistics and made sure their watermelons reached the cities safely. Traders also played an important role as finding a truck was not an easy task and every moment of delay built tension.

Farmers Biswajit Pradhan, Muna Sahoo and Fakira Behera had spent months working on their land. Now the real test was getting their goods delivered to Rourkela and Kolkata. For small farmers who usually sell within a 10-20 Kilometre radius, that distance felt like crossing an ocean. As trucks rumbled through uneven roads, women farmers Jharanamayee Pradhan and Reetajit Dehury got worried about the safety of the fragile cargo. Lambodar Pradhan constantly stayed in touch with drivers and traders, keeping an eye on every move.

By the time the first truck arrived in Rourkela a sigh of relief came over everyone’s face. It wasn’t just about selling of watermelons it was a victory of perseverance, planning and trust. Seeing the produce reach distant cities safely gave the farmers a newfound confidence. They understood that with teamwork and the right guidance even small farmers could reach distant markets.

A total of 1507 Quintals of watermelon has been procured by Barkote FED FPCL in the month of March. This market linkage alone generated revenue of 12 Lakhs 57 Thousand for the team. A total of 15 farmers were involved in this journey. Yet, despite the success, some farmers still faced losses, reminding everyone how fragile these efforts can be.

According to locals, the traders make a profit of 15 Rs per Quintal.  

The red-coloured Watermelons were sold at INR 834 per Quintal. For the farmers, this price was more than just numbers. It reflected the value of their patience, their sleepless nights and the risks they took along the way.

The second truck also reached the Kolkata Markets, giving the transaction an inter-state status. It also marks a significant step forward for the farmers as they expanded beyond familiar boundaries. As this news of successful sale spread within the villages, it sparked a quiet sense of confidence among others. Farmers often remained worried about weather conditions as traders change prices at the end moment of the deal. The quality of the produce plays a vital role in FPO’s Business Activities.

For Barkote FED FPCL, this is not just a one-time success story but a learning experience. Strengthening direct market linkages, improving storage and reducing dependency on unpredictable factors will be the key in the coming seasons.

And yet, despite the challenges, this season has revealed something powerful. A Farming Community taking initiative to gain control of their finances for a more secure livelihood. Farmers stood shoulder to shoulder in the scorching heat of March, determined to send their produce beyond state boundaries. This is how resilience is built not in comfort, but in collective struggle. FPOs stand by farmers not just in times of profit, but also through their losses. Because in the end, a village does not move forward alone, it rises together.

By Sambit Mohanty from Livelihood Alternatives