Malkangiri, 26th July 2025: In their twilight years, four elderly tribal women from Ward No. 1 of Malkangiri Municipality (Mundaguda village) have become self-reliant by collecting and selling leafy vegetables (greens). The women — Chandrama Nayak (76), Ranu Nayak (74), Dayamanti Halba (66), and Basanti Indi (65) — are sustaining their families by gathering different types of greens from the forest and home gardens and selling them in the local market.
They sit together in the market every day, and despite financial hardship, their friendship and mutual support have never wavered. “Being from the same village, we help each other and share all our joys and sorrows,” said Chandrama. Even though they have sons, daughters, and grandchildren, the women prefer to remain independent and find comfort in each other’s company.
Unfortunately, all four women are deprived of government welfare benefits. Yet, they believe that with personal effort and willpower, anything is possible.
Ranu, Dayamanti, and Basanti said they grow moringa (drumstick) and pijuli (hog plum) trees in their yards. They also collect greens like kalama, tikiri, and sabu-nati from nearby lands. Every day, they bring these to Malkangiri market, where they sit together in one spot and sell the greens.
With the money they earn, they buy basic household essentials like oil and salt. Selling greens has also helped them preserve their dignity and continue a life of activity. “If we stay home, our daughters-in-law might get irritated. So we prefer going to the market,” one of them said.
By selling greens at ₹20 per bundle, they manage to earn up to ₹700 a day. Deprived of any government aid, these elderly tribal women have chosen not to wait for outside help. Instead, they are relying on their own gardens and forest produce to lead a dignified, self-reliant life.
“As long as our hands and legs function, we four friends will keep working together and selling greens,” they said with a smile.