Cultivating Change, Building Connections

Defey Munal Farmer Producer Company Ltd., based in Sombary Bazar, Gorubathan in Kalimpong district of West Bengal, brings together 290 farmer members who cultivate high-value crops such as areca nut, tejpata (bay leaf), large cardamom, and round chilli. Over the years, the FPC has been steadily strengthening its presence in the market by diversifying production and expanding trading networks. A key catalyst for this growth has been the interventions of SwitchON Foundation, which has supported farmers in adopting improved farming practices and building stronger market linkages.

SwitchON has introduced sustainable cultivation models such as Machan Kheti, nutrition gardens, and multilayer vegetable farming, enabling farmers to diversify their crops, improve household nutrition, and enhance the quality of produce. These interventions have opened opportunities for value-added trading and created new pathways for farmers to increase their income. Equally important, SwitchON has facilitated direct connections with national buyers and supported the FPC’s participation in trade fairs and buyer–seller meets, boosting the collective bargaining power of its members.

From Local Fields to National Markets

The results of these efforts are already visible. This year, the company has successfully sold bay leaf, dry chilli, turmeric, and areca nut, generating approximately ₹12 lakh from areca nut alone. With advance market commitments in place, the FPC is expected to sell nearly 40 tonnes of produce across these commodities, reflecting its growing credibility and reliability among buyers. In just the last six months, Defey Munal FPC has achieved a turnover of around ₹27 lakh, with an average monthly turnover of ₹2 lakh.

These achievements highlight the transformative role of SwitchON Foundation in enabling Defey Munal FPC to scale its operations. By combining knowledge-sharing, sustainable practices, and market access, SwitchON has empowered the farmers of Gorubathan to strengthen their livelihoods and resilience. Today, Defey Munal FPC stands as an inspiring example of how farmer-owned organizations, when backed with the right support, can create lasting prosperity in rural communities.