25.01.25

Incorporation of Sulabhaa Initiative's First Women-Led Community Enterprise: A Step Towards Women’s Empowerment and Sustainable Development

Kanamraj GSPC aims to facilitate the socio-economic transformation of women living in forest-dominated landscapes of Odisha. It forms part of the Sulabhaa Green Business Enterprise Leadership Cohort—a special initiative by the Government of Odisha, in collaboration with the Bharti Institute of Public Policy (BIPP) at the Indian School of Business (ISB).

This producer company (PC) model places the primary collectors of seasonal forest products (SFPs) —that is, women—at its core. It creates large-scale opportunities for employment, livelihood promotion, and the growth of women-led social enterprises.

On 20 January 2025, Kanamraj Green Shakti Producer Company (Kanamraj GSPC) Limited was officially incorporated in Kalimela, Malkangiri, Odisha. This milestone marks a significant step towards empowering women and advancing sustainable development in the region.

What is a Producer Company?

A PC is a hybrid business model that combines the cooperative spirit with the efficiency of private companies. It is registered under the Companies Act, 2013, and is owned and operated by a group of producers who work collectively to achieve shared goals.

In the case of a GSPC, the Board of Directors (BoDs), members, and shareholders are all women engaged in harvesting, processing, and selling SFPs. They contribute capital and actively participate in the company's activities.

A GSPC is governed by BoDs elected by the members, with all decisions made democratically. It adopts and promotes sustainable harvesting practices to preserve forest ecosystems within its operational areas. It also maintains transparent accounting to build trust among its members.

By working together, members gain the advantages of economies of scale, lower costs, and stronger market positioning. Professional management and direct market linkages further give the company a distinct competitive edge in the SFP market.

About Sulabhaa

The Sulabhaa initiative is a first-of-its-kind, large-scale programme that offers an unconventional, semi-structured six-month induction focused on self-transformation, leadership, and entrepreneurial skills. Structured as a fellowship, the programme provides hands-on experience in starting and managing a PC. It also includes a comprehensive training curriculum covering financial literacy, leadership, business management, and sustainable resource utilisation.

Unique Features of a GSPC

ISB–BIPP, through its Initiative on the Forest Economy (IoFE), is facilitating direct market access to ensure competitive prices for forest products. It is also providing comprehensive training in harvesting techniques, value addition, and business management.

Role of ISB-BIPP

Way Forward

The IoFE team is currently facilitating the development of 29 GSPCs across six districts of Odisha—Malkangiri, Mayurbhanj, Rayagada, Koraput, Keonjhar, and Nabarangpur. The Department of Mission Shakti, Government of Odisha, will provide the initial working capital to each GSPC upon successful registration. This will enable them to commence sustainable, scaled-out sales of SFPs.

Together, these efforts will pave the way for resilient, inclusive, and environmentally sustainable women-led rural enterprises across the state.