Ragi, a traditional Indian millet, has recently caught the imagination of metro dwellers and skyrocketed in popularity. Its impressive nutritional profile, gluten-free nature, and low glycemic index make it a perfect substitute for health-conscious consumers. My personal journey with Ragi began with a friend’s recommendation as I sought healthier options for my child.
At Keonjhar, I had the opportunity to meet a remarkable group of women entrepreneurs. We were inquiring about success stories from Sambit Pragya Paromita who has been working diligently in this region and were told about the women of Saharpara village. A short ride later, we arrived at the village, and Tusharika was waiting outside to greet us with a warm smile. She had a pleasant aura, exuding an air of contentment. We were ushered inside their traditional house with a large central courtyard. There were several rooms facing the courtyard, and from one of the rooms, we could hear faint conversation and laughter. Tusharika led us to the room, where we saw a group of women diligently packing puffed rice with some lentil mix. The sight of foreigners, us, disrupted their animated conversation, and they suddenly stood up in respect of our arrival, reminiscent of students greeting a teacher. We reassured them to continue their work and observed them quietly.
We asked Tusharika about her story. She told of her transformative journey from a simple farmer to an entrepreneur, empowering her family as well as her fellow villagers. “It all started when CYSD approached me for distributing some millets. At that time, I didn’t know this task would lead to something much bigger,” said Tusharika.
Soon, CYSD’s recognition of her eagerness and the abundance of land within the community encouraged Tusharika and her team to cultivate these nutritious grains in their own fields. With the organization’s unwavering support and guidance, they embarked on this new agricultural venture, eager to unlock the potential of the land.
With a wry smile, Tusharika tells us that although they were villagers who had long ago cultivated these millets, they had completely forgotten about it. “When I first held these seeds, I thought they were mustard seeds,” laughs Tusharika as she shows us a batch from her last cultivation. Now, apart from cultivating high-quality Ragi, they are also making delicious and nutritious snacks and sweets from these millets. Whenever there is a big event or government function, they receive bulk orders which they fulfill as a team.
Since their initial endeavors in 2023, Tusharika’s group has grown to encompass 11 women from the village, all working together as equals. They follow an equitable approach, ensuring that the profits from their enterprise are distributed fairly among all members. The exceptional quality and popularity of their millet-based products have garnered them recognition and a surge in demand from various organizations. This influx of orders has further strengthened their financial standing and solidified their position as successful, women-led entrepreneurs.
Last year, Tusharika’s team cultivated an impressive 19 quintals of millets, selling 14 quintals at a profit. The remaining millets were reserved for personal consumption and the creation of their delectable snacks and sweets.
The versatility of millets has proven to be a significant advantage for Tusharika’s group. These crops can be sown twice a year, requiring less water and maximizing the use of their land. Tusharika and her team’s entrepreneurial journey has transcended their own lives, creating a ripple effect that empowers their entire community. They have successfully increased their household incomes and become role models, inspiring other women to pursue similar paths.
With a final group photo for memories, we bid farewell and hope that their initiative inspires more villagers to adapt these new cultivation methods to augment their income.
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