Seven Women Entrepreneurs bag Innovative Women Entrepreneur Awards by ICAR

Seven women agri-entrepreneurs from the state were awarded the Innovative Women Entrepreneur Awards during the Foundation Day celebration of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research’s Agricultural Technology Application Research Institute (ATARI) Zone-1, held at Ludhiana recently.

The honorees were supported by the Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) of Chamba, Shimla, Solan, and Lahaul & Spiti II, which are managed by the Dr. YS Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni. These women have demonstrated exceptional dedication and innovation in their fields, representing the entrepreneurial spirit of their local communities. Their contributions across various sectors, such as natural products, food processing, and handicrafts, not only drive economic growth in the region but also empower them both socially and financially.

Three women farmers from Chamba were honoured for their innovative entrepreneurship: Anjali Kumari, Reetu Devi and Babli Kumari, all of whom were supported by the Krishi Vigyan Kendra in Chamba. Anjali Kumari, from Udhapur, has successfully branded, packaged and marketed a diverse range of products under the Pangi Hills FPO. Her portfolio includes natural forest products, herbs, superfoods, body care items, agricultural goods, woollen and cotton clothing, as well as various art and craft products. Reetu Devi, a resident of Bhandarka, specializes in food processing and marketing through the Astha Self Help Group. Her key products include Chamba Green Chukh, Chamba Red Chukh and a variety of homemade pickles. Babli Kumari, through her Chamunda Self Help Group, produces and markets high-quality jute-based products.

Pinki Devi, from Solan's Koti Deora, has been practicing natural farming for the past four years. In addition to her work with livestock and millet cultivation, she operates a Natural Produce Center and produces a range of millet-based food products. Aarti Shandil, from Kawarag, trained in mushroom cultivation under the ARYA project by KVK Solan. Since then, she has been growing button mushrooms and last year, established a small industry under the National Rural Livelihood Mission to make biodegradable plates from ‘Taur’ leaves. She provides employment to 7-8 women and sells her products through online marketplaces. Both Aarti and Pinki have received training from KVK Solan.

Cherring Butith, from Sumling, Lahaul & Spiti, was recognized for her exceptional work in the seabuckthorn industry. Supported by KVK Lahaul & Spiti II, she is a member of the Spiti Seabuckthorn Society in Kaza, which promotes seabuckthorn processing. The society consists of 75 farmers and produces a wide variety of seabuckthorn products, including powder, juice, tea, berries, and jam. Cherring was honored for her outstanding contributions and leadership in advancing seabuckthorn farming in her community.

Dr. Divya Sharma, from Jagothi (Gavas) in Shimla District , was awarded for her work in food processing of fruits and various forest produce and training of women. She has received support from KVK Shimla, to develop innovative food products. Additionally, Dr. Usha Sharma of KVK Shimla received the 'Performance Excellence Award' for her leadership and dedication to natural farming, particularly in developing scientific models for apple cultivation.

Vice Chancellor Prof. Rajeshwar Singh Chandel congratulated the awardees, praising them for becoming role models for women’s empowerment. He commended the KVK teams of Shimla, Solan, Chamba and Lahaul & Spiti-II for their invaluable support in fostering the growth of women entrepreneurs. Dr. Inder Dev, Director of Extension Education, also congratulated the farmers and KVKs for their significant contributions to promoting women’s entrepreneurship and empowerment.