Centurion University of Technology and Management
Harvesting Impact through Inclusive Agro-Enterprise: ESSE Naturals
Finalist, Benefitting Society
About
Esse Naturals & Nutrition Private Limited (Gram Tarang Foods) an initiative of Centurion University of Technology and Management, is a purpose-driven agro-enterprise transforming smallholder farmer livelihoods in Odisha through a contract farming and backward integration model. Established in 2013, the initiative addresses post-harvest losses, fragmented supply chains, and limited market access by directly engaging over 500 farmers across 20 villages.
ESSE Naturals and Nutrition Pvt Ltd. implements contract farming for paddy, providing quality seeds, technical support (crop monitoring, testing), and assured buyback at 5% above MSP. The initiative has resulted in a 10% reduction in post-harvest losses (paddy) and a 10% increase in farmer incomes (notably for RNR rice cultivation). It also supports cultivation of maize and okra. Beyond agriculture, it delivers inclusive skilling in plant operations, entrepreneurship, and machine maintenance, creating 12 direct jobs and 15+ indirect livelihoods. The model demonstrates a scalable pathway for sustainable rural transformation.
Top 3 learnings
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1 |
We learned trust-based farmer relationships are critical for sustainable value chains. |
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2 |
We realised aggregation significantly improves efficiency and farmer bargaining power. |
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3 |
We found skilling integration strengthens both enterprise performance and rural livelihoods. |
What is means to win
Sustainable Development Goals
| 2026 | |
| Benefitting Society | |
| Finalist, International |
