By Rahul Dangwal
Dehradun, 29 Oct: The Daliya Unit in Village Kainchiwala, Sahaspur Block, stands as a beacon of hope and empowerment in a region where traditional agriculture and animal husbandry have been the main sources of livelihood for generations. It’s one of the very first Agro based Food Processing Enterprises established under REAP in Uttarakhand under the guidance of District Project Manager Kailash Chandra Bhatt.
Despite facing formidable challenges such as erratic weather patterns and a heavy reliance on rain-fed farming, the people of Sahaspur have shown remarkable resilience and adaptability. In June 2023, a revolutionary step was taken with the establishment of the Daliya Unit, a testament to the spirit of cooperative effort and women’s empowerment in the region.
This Daliya Unit is situated approximately 7 kilometres away from the headquarters of the Cluster Level Federations, Block Sahaspur. The livelihoods of families in this region have long been dependent on agriculture and animal husbandry, with farming primarily relying on seasonal rainfall even seven decades after India gained independence. However, in recent times, farmers in the region have embraced technological advancements to improve their agricultural practices.
In this context, the Self Help Group (SHG) in Kainchiwala Village, under the Cluster Level Federation, is primarily engaged in wheat farming. Recognising the need to diversify their income sources, the women of the SHG, in consultation with REAP (Rural Enterprise Acceleration Project), decided to venture into the production of Daliya (broken wheat) in June 2023. Today, eight women in the unit are not only producing Daliya but also transforming their lives.
The Cluster Level Federation was registered in 2020, comprising 282 groups, all striving for improved cooperation and better outcomes. The establishment of the SHG in Kainchiwala Village on July 18, 2022, was a pivotal moment. Despite challenging circumstances, the people here have persevered, continuing their tradition of farming and animal husbandry. The women of the SHG initially engaged in wheat farming, but they soon realised the potential of Daliya production as an income-generating activity.
The journey to establish the Daliya Unit was not without its obstacles. The first hurdle was finding suitable land for the unit. After securing the land, the challenge shifted to installing the necessary machinery. However, with the support of the women and under the guidance of the District Project Manager, the machines were successfully set up. The women initially had reservations about operating the machinery and packing the products, but with time and training, they overcame these fears.
Today, the women of the Daliya Unit are not only proficient in operating the machinery but have also taken their products to outlets and shops for sale. Their journey reflects not just a transformation in economic status but also in self-confidence and empowerment. These women are now proud entrepreneurs, contributing to their households’ income and actively participating in the local economy.
The Daliya enterprise is gaining the momentum with its production and sale among the community. The enterprise has processed over 800 kgs of combined products with more than Rs 45,000 of sale from the month of July to October 2023 and growing.
The story of the Daliya Unit in Sahaspur is a testament to the power of collective effort, women’s empowerment, and adaptability. In the face of challenging circumstances, these women have not only diversified their income sources but have also overcome their initial reservations to become successful entrepreneurs. The Daliya Unit stands as a beacon of hope and an inspiration to other communities facing similar challenges, proving that with determination and support, anything is possible. This case study highlights the transformative impact of entrepreneurship on rural communities and the potential for economic growth in such regions.
