1500 women of Gumla district became self-reliant by joining Ragi Mission, online sales are being done across the country.

Gumla. Coarse grain Ragi/Maduva was cultivated extensively in Gumla district and the demand was also considerable. But due to the era of modernity it gradually lost its identity. But now the days of Ragi have returned and our district holds the leading position in the entire state in Ragi production. To maintain its utility, benefits and identity, Ragi Mission was launched in Gumla district with the initiative of outgoing DC Sushant Gaurav of Gumla. And now gradually thousands of farmers are joining this scheme and working in the field of Ragi. Not only this, with the aim of promoting Ragi in the district, Ragi Processing Unit has been established in the district. About 1500 rural women have also got employment in this. At one time these women were confined to their homes, but now the products made by them from Ragi are reaching not only in the district and state but to every corner of the country. And women have also got recognition.

Farmers’ income will increase
To promote Ragi in the district, free Ragi seeds are being distributed among the farmers, so that maximum production of Ragi can be done. A crop which was once considered to be of low value, but today has now become a distinct identity. Flour, laddu, bhujia, thekua, biscuits, namkeen, mixture, dates etc. are being manufactured from ragi in the Ragi processing unit of Gumla. Ragi Mission in Gumla has emerged as a transformative initiative for the people here. The objective of which is to improve the livelihood of farmers in Gumla district of Jharkhand.

Women got new life
Karuna Devi, Treasurer of MVM Baghima Palkot Former Producer Company Limited Gumla, which is operated to promote Ragi in the district, told Local 18 that the Ragi Mission was started here in 2022 AD. In which 1500 didis are involved and almost all of them are working. We are also cultivating Ragi ourselves and making various types of products from Ragi. Like we are making all these items like ragi laddu, biscuits, neemki, thekua, mixture, bhujia etc. Also, there is a shop by the name of Millet Cafe near Telanga Khadiya Stadium on Jashpur Road in Gumla city. Where samosa, idli, potato chaap, pitha etc. are also made from ragi. Our products are also being sold online through Amazon, Blinkit etc. Due to which the product made by us is reaching every corner of the country. There was a time when we women were confined to home but now we are going out and working. This brought a big change in our lives. Our children are able to study in private schools. Not only this, but we are also able to eat good food and wear good clothes, which was possible only because of Ragi Mission. We are feeling very good.

Member Asnita Indwar told Local 18 that 15 hundred of our sisters are working by joining the Farmer Producer Company. Earlier we were unemployed, there was no employment and by joining here there has been a lot of change in our lives. Like earlier, we were not able to go out of the house, now we are going out and working with Ragi Mission. We became recognized in the country and abroad also. The product made by us from Ragi is reaching not only in the district but also in the entire state and country. We got recognition only by joining Ragi Mission. There was a time when people had stopped cultivating Ragi, now it is being cultivated well and we are also making various types of items from it. Due to which our family is doing well and we are also earning good income.