Kochi, Kerala: Coffee, honey, pepper, arrowroot and turmeric — all known for their quality — are preparing to enter the European market under the ‘Athirappilly’ brand. These products are sourced directly from the farms of Adivasi farmers, with a promise of authenticity and standards.

The Athirappilly Tribal Valley Agricultural Project, launched in 2020 with financial support from the Rebuild Kerala Initiative, laid the foundation for the brand. The project was designed to improve the livelihoods of Adivasi farmers, who make up nearly 30 per cent of the population in Athirappilly panchayat (Thrissur district). It focuses on crop collection, processing and marketing under a common identity.

On July 23, 2022, the Athirappilly Tribal Valley Farmers Producer Company was set up, with local farmers as its members. Since then, sales worth Rs 41 lakh have been achieved through the company website and e-commerce platforms.

The brand not only markets cultivated crops but also promotes forest products such as honey, Garcinia, toddy palm products and kudampuli (Malabar tamarind).

More than 450 Adivasi farmers form the strength of the company, including 205 women. Membership is limited to Adivasis, with 242 shareholders, of whom 111 are women, according to CEO M A Rani.

Steps towards global outreach

In March, the company signed an agreement with Sweden as part of its global expansion. “Preliminary steps to begin exports are under way,” said nodal officer and Chalakudy Assistant Director of Agriculture, Jelitta Elsa Jacob.