Bhubaneswar: The second day of the Krushi Odisha-2024 witnessed a gathering of more than 2,000 women entrepreneurs, showcasing the transformative impact of Mission Shakti in the social and economic sectors, particularly in agriculture and allied fields.
According to an official press release, under the visionary leadership of Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, Mission Shakti has played a pivotal role in the empowerment of women across Odisha.
The dedicated Department of Mission Shakti has brought all SHG initiatives under a single platform, creating a unique identity for women, promoting entrepreneurship and creating employment opportunities.
With more than 70 lakh SHG members in nearly 6 lakh SHGs across the state the State Government has taken a step further to transform SHGs into SMEs, aligning with the vision for women’s empowerment. Over 20 lakh women farmers in Odisha are venturing into agri-entrepreneurship through Mission Shakti.
Five lakh Mission Shakti Members have been efficiently organized into Producer Groups, supported by 73 producer companies formed by the women collectives. With support from Mission Shakti, these companies ensure fair market access and improved economic returns for women.
Under the aegis of the Department of Mission Shakti, thousands of spices and food processing units have emerged; Millet enterprises have been set up, contributing significantly to the managerial skills, leadership qualities and economic well-being of women across the state.
This transformative journey has been possible because of the leadership and visionary 5T governance model of Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik. His commitment to women’s empowerment and their socio-economic wellbeing has laid the foundation for the success of Mission Shakti.
On January 13, 2024, the second day of Krushi Odisha -2024, a session on SHG-led Entrepreneurship through agri-enterprises was held at Janata Maidan, Bhubaneswar.
The event kicked off with a welcome address by Sujata R. Karthikeyan, Commissioner-cum-Secretary, Mission Shakti, followed by felicitation of 30 outstanding SHG Agri Entrepreneurs.
Adding yet another feather to its cap, the department of Mission Shakti has entered into a ground breaking partnership with DAFE & IRRI, focusing on rice-based native varieties known for their aromatic essence.
This strategic collaboration aims to produce nutritionally enriched rice-based and mixed-value food products such as cookies, snacks, muesli, pasta, noodles.
Moreover, a mini millet factory will be established to further enhance the capacity-building of SHGs in food processing and entrepreneurship.
The MoU signifies a strategic collaboration aiming to enhance opportunities for women-led ventures in the rice-based food industry, fostering economic growth and entrepreneurship.
This was followed by an address by Minister Basanti Hembram and a panel discussion, chaired by Sujata R. Karthikeyan featured distinguished panelists, including Jayashree Palei, Prem Chandra Chaudhary, Monalisha Gandhi, and Punyadarshini Triparty, a renowned Prof IIT Kharagpur. More than 1,500 women agri-preneurs attended this session.
The event concluded with the handing over of work orders to SHGs for various projects such as Mini rice mill, Dal mill, Oil mill, Rubber roll Sheller-cum-Polisher & MKUY projects.
Mission Shakti women are truly the harbingers of transformation in Odisha.
