5 Ways How Modi Enhances Women Entrepreneurship in Gujarat

Bangalore: Nurtured with evergreen simplicity, the women of Gujarat have flourished with decades of hard work and dedication. Lijjat Papad  (a handmade thin, crisp circular shaped Indian food, served as an accompaniment in Indian meals) is a unique example of which a small group of women have given their time to make a worthy organization of trust and productivity.

Narendra Modi the Chief Minister of Gujarat recently spoke at the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), citing examples of entrepreneurial roles played by women. In his talk, he has expressed deep appreciation for the great wonders women have made since years together. Let us take a look at power of entrepreneurship according to Modi that has existed in the History of Gujarat as listed out by Economic Times.

#5 Handicrafts

The state of Gujarat is blessed with rich traditional handicrafts. Right from needle works to tie and dye (Bandhini), Gujarat celebrates a wide variety of famous handicrafts. The daily existence of women brings in a unique artistic touch which is highly praised by the consumers of handcrafted items.

The existence of such rich culture has adorned the state through business driven women who have patronized its empowerment. As Modi takes pride in it, he says, “An increase in tourism will lead to an increase in demand for handicrafts, tourism a $3 trillion business.”

#4 Lijjat Papad Was Started By A ‘Tribal Woman’

Modi also cited Lijjat Papad, saying that the venture was started by a ‘tribal woman’ and that it is a successful creation by ‘a group of uneducated women.’

 Lijjat Papad started its operations  in 1959, with a pioneer group of women who set the unique trend by making four packets of papads initially. They had no money at first and borrowed a sum of 80. Today Lijjat is a striking household success from mere simplicity.

Known as Shri Mahila Griha Udyog Lijjat Papad, this organization recruits women who willingly accept its values. Everyday a group of women go to the branch to knead dough and then other women roll them into papads. The papads are then tested for quality and every member gets a rolling charge for the day according to the work done.

Today Shri Mahila Griha Udyog Lijjat Papad manufactures various products from Papad. These are Appalam, Masala, Gehu Atta, Chapati, SASA Detergent Powder, SASA Detergent Cake and SASA Liquid Detergent.

The organization’s exports alone account for 10 crore and Mumbai is the major export hub of the organization.  There are 43,000 women currently working there.

#3 Amul Makes It Because Of Women

It was Dr. Verghese Kurien who led Amul for several decades, making it a renowned milk co-operation. Known as Gujarat Co-operative Milk Marketing Federation, this organization started with just two village diary co-operative societies and 247 litres of milk. It is now a $2.5bn turnover entity and has 32 lakh farmers.

Besides its rise in the competitive FMCG market, Narendra Modi appreciates the women who have given a strong approach towards Amul’s success. He says that the entire animal husbandry work is looked after by rural women.

The Amul model shows a three tiered structure with dairy cooperative societies at the village level, associated with a milk union at the district level and a federation of member unions at the state level.

Amul empowers its women economically by buying milk from them, claiming that its model has helped them to grow more with economic independence.

#2 Seaweed Cultivation

Gujarat has been encouraging sea weed cultivation since October 2012 when Gujarat Livelihood Promotion Company (GLPC) joined hands with Central Salt Marine and Chemical Research Institute (SSMCRI), encouraging sea weed cultivation as a source of livelihood for the local residents along the state coast.

According to Modi, this pilot project of women enterprising along the coastline is a commendable success. Farmers who reside next to the sea shore benefit well from this by venturing into cultivation. While its input cost is nothing, state farmers can become economically stronger, earning almost 2000 crore with seaweed.

As farmers have been trained in seaweed cultivation with acclaimed results, an official says, “Dried seaweed can earn 86, 000 per year per raft, which is floated in the sea to cultivate the produce. A family can create 40 rafts in a year.”

#1 Jasuben Pizza

Gujarat has converted the usual Italian Pizzas into authentic desi delight! Founded by Jasuben Shah, this pizza parlour took its humble roots in the capital of Gujarat in 1990s. As Narendra Modi calls it ‘a prime example of female entrepreneurship’, the idea behind this pizza parlour was not a sole business intention. Jasuben in her early forties set the new venture but previously prepared pizzas for her children and the idea came to light when everyone around started appreciating her for the extraordinary vegetarian Gujarathi taste.

Partnering with Andarben and husband, Jorawar Singh Rajput, Jasuben saw the success in business for which, they further expanded to six branches in the city. At present about 20,000 pizzas are sold every day for 50.

With pride, Modi exclaims, “Jasuben’s pizza is located near Pizza hut. This Jasuben is not like Kalavathi! Jasuben passed away five years back in Pune, but due to all her hardwork, even today, Jasuben’s Pizza has captured a very big market.”

source:http://www.siliconindia.com