Lucknow, Aug 24 (IANS) Women members of the Self-Help Groups (SHGs), particularly in the rural belts of Uttar Pradesh, are scripting a new chapter in the state’s dairy economy.
Five companies formed under the SHGs and associated with Uttar Pradesh Rajya Gramin Ajivika Mission have recorded a combined business turnover of approximately ₹5,716.26 crore since 2019. Today, more than 3.88 lakh women are now associated with these companies.
These five firms have extensive daily operations spanning cities like Chitrakoot, Hamirpur, Jalaun, Jhansi, Lalitpur, Mahoba, Ballia, Chandauli, Ghazipur, Mirzapur, Sant Ravidas Nagar, Sonbhadra, Varanasi, Pratapgarh, Rae Bareli, Sultanpur, Ayodhya, Fatehpur, Amethi, Deoria, Gorakhpur, Kushinagar, Maharajganj, Bareilly, Rampur and more.
From milk production and collection to processing and marketing, the growing participation of women is providing a new foundation and direction to the rural economy.
The growing role of women-led milk producer companies can be gauged by the fact that these companies collect approximately 12.5 lakh litres of milk every day. Many women are engaged in livestock rearing and dairy production, supplying milk regularly. An organised collection system is also making it easier to take milk to the market.
This successful business model has already reached more than 6,500 villages across 31 districts, with plans underway for further expansion.
Arun Kumar, Director of Uttar Pradesh State Rural Livelihood Mission, said women dairy producers are emerging as a new force in the rural economy. Companies established through women’s groups are connecting women with the entire value chain, from production to business operations. This is positively impacting their incomes and economic activity in villages.
This business model is creating new opportunities for employment and income in rural areas. Increased participation in livestock rearing, milk collection and allied activities is also giving momentum to the local economies of rural households.
Under the leadership of UP CM Yogi Adityanath, emphasis is being placed on economically empowering women in rural areas.
Through Rajya Gramin Ajivika Mission, self-help groups are being connected with livelihood activities and encouraged to move towards entrepreneurship and business.
The objective is to provide women with local income-generating opportunities, reducing the need to migrate elsewhere in search of employment.
Dairy farming has emerged as an important avenue in this effort. Livestock rearing, which was traditionally viewed primarily as a household activity, is now being systematically transformed into a source of income and a viable business. Companies run by women’s groups reflect this change.
The role of women’s groups in strengthening the rural economy is also being linked to the state’s broader economic ambitions. Connecting women with entrepreneurship, production and markets is expanding the scope of economic activity in villages. This is helping enhance the purchasing power of rural households while boosting local businesses.
–IANS
mr/dan