Mayurbhanj's Tribal Entrepreneurs: MGPL's Support in Business Development

In the rapidly progressing take on entrepreneurship by youth in India, the focus is being directed towards the development of rural areas and populations. Entrepreneurial efforts aimed at the upliftment of rural areas are crucial for the socio-economic development of a developing country like India.

In Odisha, the population had been heavily dependent on the agricultural sector in the past, but there has been a gradual structural shift to an industry and service-based sector. It can be seen with a contribution of 36.2% by the service sector, 41.3% by industry, and 22.5% by agriculture towards the Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) according to a report in 2022-23.

Among the 30 districts in Odisha, Mayurbhanj is one of the largest. It is endowed with natural and human resources but lacks in other areas, which slows down growth and development. Limited access to education and modern business practices, geopolitical isolation, and the struggle to secure capital for entrepreneurs are some of the numerous challenges.

First of all, let’s understand the various challenges and issues faced by entrepreneurs working for the upliftment of tribal people.

1. Knowledge and skill gap: One of the primary reasons is the lack of proper education and vocational training in the field of work. Due to the lack of knowledge, many are not able to contact various agencies that can provide information regarding various aspects like technology, schemes, and procedures of financial institutions, making it difficult to compete in the modern world.
2. Marketing Problem: With the introduction of online and digital business markets, connecting with wider markets and selling beyond the local market becomes a significant challenge. Due to a lack of proper branding, they cannot convert the audience into customers despite unique and good-quality products. They face problems like heavy credit sales, heavy competition, and storage problems.
3. Raising Capital: The procurement of finance becomes a stumbling block for entrepreneurs due to a weak economic base. Commercial financial institutions are hesitant to lend loans due to a lack of credit history or collateral. Women entrepreneurs face this more clearly. Limited working capital, complicated procedures for loan sanctioning, and a lack of credit facilities are some of the highlighted issues.
4. Infrastructure and technology: Rural entrepreneurs often lack the knowledge or means to procure modern technology. The lack of proper mobility in rural areas, poor road networks, unreliable electricity supply, and limited internet connectivity will increase the cost of production and distribution.
5. Social Problems: The stigma surrounding entrepreneurship is still prominent in rural and tribal areas. The support of family and community is of vital importance for a startup to flourish. According to a study, most entrepreneurs are likely to experience poor family support, no good public relations, and no social life.

Addressing these challenges requires a multi-faceted approach by various institutions to create a conducive environment for rural entrepreneurship. In Mayurbhanj, Odisha, Mayurbhanj Gramya Parijana Limited (MGPL) is like a ray of light shining in a dark room. MGPL has been playing an important role in addressing all the above-mentioned issues in the following ways:

• Empowering Women: MGPL’s work with tribal women in the procurement and use of sal leaves has become a trailblazer in empowering women and creating eco-friendly products. The business enclave programme like ‘Ananya’ provides them with financial independence and instills livelihood skills.
• Procurement of Cheap Raw material: At MGPL, about 10,000 women have been provided jobs who are associated with creating incense sticks. In this, women are able to procure cheap raw material to make incense sticks through the skills and training learnt through MGPL workshops.
• Eco-friendly alternatives: MGPL focuses on creating eco-friendly products that promote the sustainable utilization? of local resources. This works as an alternative to plastic products by reducing the harmful impact of non-biodegradable and single-use plastic on the environment.
• Provide Livelihood: Through MGPL's assistance, women have gained employment opportunities, enabling them to secure their livelihoods and achieve economic independence. MGPL plays a crucial role in equipping these women with valuable skills for material procurement, leading to a significant increase in their daily earnings, with a minimum of Rs 300 per day.
• Use limited resources: The aim is not only to procure sal leaves and make incense sticks but also, do this, using limited resources. The minimal environmental impact is of due importance. The limited use of electricity and water helps in reducing cost of production.
• Instill Marketing skills: MGPL is providing a national and global market by making efficient use of internet and digital media. Other than Online market, MGPL also equips women? with necessary marketing skills to market their products offline through various workshops.?
• Preservation of Traditional Values: With the core idea of “reconnecting with our roots”, MGPL aims to protect the traditional skills and traditions passed down through generations. This helps in the preservation of cultural heritage and traditional knowledge.
• Providing alternatives to the 67% population: As discussed in our previous article, deforestation continues to rise, the 67% tribal population in Mayurbhanj, whose traditional livelihood relies on sal leaves and Mahual flowers, is compelled to explore alternative employment avenues. In response, MGPL intervenes by offering vocational training and livelihood skills, such as animal husbandry through the Goat Bank initiative..
• Promoting Tribal Artisans: Under MGPL’s guidance, a variety of tribal artisans have come together to make indigenous products. With proper training and market links, their craft is catering to a global audience. It not only increases their revenue but also preserves and showcases their culture.

At MGPL, we have a strong commitment towards driving inclusive growth and sustainable development. With joint efforts of all, an environment with better standards of living can be created for these remarkable women. It is said that one woman will impact her entire family, thus by touching the life of one can create an effect on the lives of many.??

Connect with us at MGPL, by sharing your opinion and ideas that can be implemented to help these tribal forces of Mayurbhanj. Visit our website, Mayurbhanj Grand Pvt. Ltd. (MGPL) to explore our initiatives and purchase products. Each purchase not only boosts women's livelihoods but also reduces your carbon footprint, preserving culture and traditions.