Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during the 123rd episode of his Mann Ki Baat radio address, spotlighted remarkable women-led initiatives that are redefining rural enterprise and self-sufficiency. He emphasized how women are not just supporting their families, but also pioneering economic transformation.
In Telangana’s Bhadrachalam, women who once depended on daily wage farm work are now crafting millet-based snacks branded as ‘Bhadradri Millet Magic’. These nutritious biscuits, made from Shree Anna (millets), have reached not only Hyderabad, but even international markets like London. Additionally, these women have begun producing affordable ‘Giri Sanitary Pads’, manufacturing 40,000 units in three months for distribution in schools and workplaces. They credit their turnaround to Self-Help Group (SHG) training and collective effort.
In Karnataka’s Kalaburagi, a group of rural women have created a booming brand around jowar rotis. Operating under a cooperative model, they now roll out over 3,000 rotis daily, supplying to Bengaluru outlets and receiving orders via online food platforms. Their modest tradition has become a modern success story.
Meanwhile, in Madhya Pradesh’s Balaghat, Suma Uike transitioned from trainee to entrepreneur. With SHG support, she learned mushroom cultivation and animal care, later launching a Didi Canteen and Thermal Therapy Centre, expanding her income and community impact.
“These women may belong to different places, but they all radiate the same spirit—self-belief and independence,” Modi affirmed.