In the vivid, mist-shrouded hills of Lambasingi, Andhra Pradesh, generations of tribal farmers have cultivated crops like millets, turmeric, black pepper, coffee, and a variety of seasonal fruits with organic practices. Yet, for decades, these tribal farmers were dependent on non-tribal moneylenders for financial advances and faced multiple challenges to sell their harvests at reasonable prices. 

 

Recognizing this challenge, ICAR-IIMR, Hyderabad, together with NABARD initiated Lambasingi Tribal Products Farmers Producer Company Limited (LTP FPO) in 2021 by transforming the lives of 750 tribal farmers.

 

Sustainable Agriculture and Organic Farming

 

At the heart of LTP FPO’s mission is a commitment to organic farming. The FPO supports farmers by supplying seeds at subsidized rates and providing guidance on organic cultivation methods by ensuring chemical free harvests. This results in premium-quality crops like turmeric, black pepper, millets, coffee, rajma, raw forest honey, and an array of seasonal fruits including pineapple, strawberry, jackfruit, guava, mango, and custard apple.

 

Building Brand Equity for Lambasingi’s Produce

 

Through its focus on organic and natural farming, LTP FPO aims to establish Lambasingi Tribal Products as a brand synonymous with purity and quality. From the nutrient-rich soils of Lambasingi, tribal farmers are producing commodities that hold great appeal in the growing markets for natural and organic products. LTP FPO secures these products for fair pricing, enabling farmers to benefit directly from their work and build a sustainable income.

 

Value-Added Products: From Harvest to Shelf

 

Beyond raw products, LTP FPO has diversified into 42 value-added products, including pickles and jams in flavors like strawberry, jackfruit, pineapple, and mango, which add new sources of income for the community. The organization is also deeply involved in honey production, known for its natural purity, and this has become another staple of the Lambasingi Tribal Products brand.

 

Infrastructure for Growth: Collection and Cold Storage Centers

 

With support from the Horticulture Department, LTP FPO has established collection and cold storage facilities at its location. This infrastructure ensures that farmers can store their produce under optimal conditions, preserving quality and enabling a stable supply to meet market demand. These centers are vital to minimizing post-harvest losses and ensuring that the freshness and quality of Lambasingi products remain uncompromised.

 

Strengthening Agricultural Value Chains

 

Through all these initiatives, LTP FPO is not only empowering farmers but is also creating a stronger, more resilient agricultural value chain in the tribal communities of Lambasingi. By fostering connections between farmers and markets, the organization is building sustainable linkages that uplift the entire community and ensure that the benefits of this new model of tribal agriculture are both equitable and far-reaching.

 

Join Us in Supporting Tribal Farmers

 

LTP FPO invites consumers and partners alike to support tribal communities by choosing Lambasingi Tribal Products. Together, we can contribute to a fairer, more sustainable agricultural ecosystem that honors the rich heritage and unique resources of these tribal farmers, providing them with a prosperous and hopeful future.