Harvesting Impact through Inclusive Agro-Enterprise: ESSE Naturals

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

What is means to win

 Winning the International Green Gown Award would represent far more than international recognition for Centurion University—it would validate a model that demonstrates how higher education can become a catalyst for inclusive, sustainable, and community-led development. Through ESSE Naturals, we have shown that universities can move beyond knowledge creation to create lasting societal value by integrating education, research, enterprise, and community partnerships into a single ecosystem.  For us, success is measured by the lives transformed: over 500 smallholder farmers across 20 villages gaining reliable market access, higher incomes, reduced post-harvest losses, improved livelihoods, and opportunities for long-term economic resilience. It is reflected in students who graduate not only with academic knowledge but with real-world experience in solving complex sustainability challenges alongside communities. It is also reflected in stronger local value chains, rural entrepreneurship, and environmentally responsible agricultural practices that contribute to multiple Sustainable Development Goals. Winning would amplify the visibility of this university–industry–community partnership, enabling us to inspire other higher education institutions, governments, development agencies, and civil society organisations to adopt similar place-based, impact-driven models. Most importantly, winning would acknowledge the collective efforts of our farmers, students, faculty, staff, community partners, and industry collaborators, whose shared commitment has made ESSE Naturals a living example of sustainable development in action. It would reinforce our belief that universities should be judged not only by academic excellence but also by the positive, measurable, and lasting impact they create for society. For Centurion University, winning means creating a future where education empowers communities, strengthens livelihoods, and leaves no one behind.

Judges' feedback 

A highly compelling submission demonstrating how a university can act as an anchor institution for inclusive economic and social development. The judges were particularly impressed by the tangible benefits delivered to more than 500 farmers, including improved market access, income stability, skills development and reduced post-harvest loss. The integration of student learning, applied research and community enterprise creates a strong living-lab model. Greater quantification of the environmental outcomes would further strengthen this already highly competitive initiative.

Sustainable Development Goals