Udhyami Mahila Producer Company Ltd. wins Best FPO Award in Uttar Pradesh

Udhyami Mahila Producer Company Ltd. (UMPCL), promoted by Trust Community Livelihoods under the Tata Trusts-supported Sujalam Sufalam initiative, was honoured with the prestigious Chaudhary Charan Singh Kisan Samman for 2024. The award, recognising UMPCL as the Best Farmer Producer Organisation (FPO) in Uttar Pradesh, was presented to its Chairperson, Babul Nisha, by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath during the state’s Kisan Diwas celebrations.

Babul Nisha, the Chairperson of UMPCL, receiving citation and cheque from the Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Aditiyanath.

Babul Nisha received the citation and a prize money of INR 1 lakh in the presence of other ministers of the Government. The recognition highlights UMPCL’s significant contributions to empowering women farmers and promoting sustainable agricultural practices in the Bahraich district.

The State Agriculture Department conducted the assessment and used a comprehensive point system to evaluate 576 FPOs registered on the state’s Shakti Portal. UMPCL’s excellence in diversified activities, financial performance, and outreach efforts helped it secure the top spot.

UMPCL’s journey

As part of Tata Trusts’ Sujalam Sufalam, initiative the Trust Community Livelihoods (TCL) supported UMPCL. TCL toiled to organise women farmers into Self-Help Groups (SHGs) across the district. These SHGs were later federated at the block level into Ekta Mahila Sewa Mandal, a collective that unified women farmers to access larger markets. As business volumes grew, UMPCL was formally registered as an FPO in 2021, with strategic guidance and support from Tata Trusts.

Today, UMPCL proudly represents 1,676 members and has diversified its operations to meet their needs. Its activities span input supply, output marketing, processing, retail, and services, including exports. UMPCL has already established trade ties with Nepal, leveraging the district’s border proximity to the neighbouring country.

In just three years, UMPCL has achieved a turnover of INR 1.8 crore (FY 2023-24) and is already profitable. It has also secured financial support from leading banks.

By uniting, these women farmers have gained access to larger markets, better price negotiations, and modern agricultural practices. UMPCL remains open to all marginal women farmers in Bahraich, ensuring its impact continues to grow.