Massive Increase in IKP Centers Allocated to Women's Self-Help Groups

Women's self-help groups are playing a pivotal role in grain procurement operations across the state. The number of procurement centers operated under the Indira Kranthi Patham (IKP) initiative has witnessed a significant increase this season. While the government decided to establish a total of 8,251 procurement centers, it has specifically allocated 3,403 of these IKP centers to women's groups. Notably, this figure—which was previously limited to just 1,500 centers—has now more than doubled. Procurement operations have already commenced at 500 centers, and all centers are expected to be fully operational by the end of this month.

In previous seasons, women's groups generated substantial income. They earned commissions amounting to ₹80.60 crore during the Vanakalam (monsoon) season and ₹81.65 crore during the Yasangi (Rabi) season; with the anticipated increase in grain procurement this time around, their earnings are expected to rise even further. In every season, approximately 2.5 million tonnes of grain are procured from around 4 million farmers through these IKP centers. Minister Seethakka stated that farmers are receiving superior services under the management of women's groups, recognizing them as the driving force propelling the rural economy forward. Officials further noted that this system would be further strengthened in the future through the provision of technical training.