7 Himachal Women Agri-Entrepreneurs honored for Transforming Agr-Practices

By: WE Staff | Thursday, 16 January 2025

• 7 Women from Himachal were awarded Innovative Women Entrepreneurs Award
• Women from Chamba, Shimla, Solan, and Lahaul & Spiti II received Awards
• Women Agri-Entrepreneurs honored for Transforming Agri-Practices

Seven women agri-entrepreneurs from Himachal Pradesh were awarded the Innovative Women Entrepreneur Awards during the Indian Council of Agricultural Research's Agricultural Technology Application Research Institute (ATARI) Zone-1 foundation day celebration in Ludhiana.

Supported by Krishi Vigyan Kendras in Chamba, Shimla, Solan, and Lahaul & Spiti II, these women have transformed agricultural practices in natural products, food processing, and handicrafts, driving regional economic growth and empowering themselves socially and financially.

Three entrepreneurs in Chamba, Anjali Kumari from Udhapur, Reetu Devi from Bhandarka, and Babli Kumari from Bhandarka, have successfully branded and marketed a range of products. Anjali Kumari specializes in natural forest products, herbs, superfoods, body care items, and woolen and cotton clothing under the Pangi Hills Food Product Order. Reetu Devi made significant contributions to food processing through the Astha Self-Help Group offering Chamba Green Chuk, Red Chukh, and pickles. Whereas, Babli Devi offers high-quality jute-based products through the Chamunda Self-Help Group.

Pinki Devi from Koti Deora, Solan cultivates millet and manages a Natural Produce Centre offering millet-based food products. Aarti Shandil from Solan produces biodegradable plates from 'Taur' leaves. Cherring Butith from Sumling, Lahaul & Spiti is a member of the Spiti Seabuckthorn Society in Kaza and produces seabuckthorn-based products including powder, juice, tea, berries, and jam. Dr. Divya Sharma, from Jagothi village in Shimla district, was awarded for her innovative work in food processing, supported by KVK Shimla, focusing on developing fruit and forest products.

In addition to these 7 agri-entrepreneurs, Dr Usha Sharma from KVK Shimla was honored with the 'Performance Excellence Award' for her significant contributions to natural farming.