Kerala's Kudumbashree records ₹10 crore from Onam market sales

Kerala's Kudumbashree programme recorded a turnover of ₹10.07 crore from the sale of vegetables and flowers during the Onam festival season, marking a strong performance for the state's women-led agricultural sector.

The sales were generated through the participation of over 33,000 joint liability groups (JLGs) of women farmers, who leveraged the festive season to reach consumers across Kerala. The Onam markets provided crucial sales channels for small-scale producers, enabling them to move produce directly to buyers during peak demand period.

Kudumbashree, the state poverty alleviation mission, has been instrumental in organizing and coordinating marketing efforts for member groups. The initiative supports women farmers through collective action, helping them achieve economies of scale and improve market access. The Onam sales demonstrate the growing commercial viability of women-led farming operations in the state.

The strong turnover reflects both the festival's importance as a shopping season and the effectiveness of organized marketing platforms in connecting smallholder producers with consumers. Such seasonal sales events provide critical income opportunities for the participating farmer groups, particularly during periods of high market demand.