Monthly advisory of onion and garlic crop for the month of June 2025
Empowering Women: Kukadi Mahila Swayam Sahayata Samuha
₹12 lakh/year turnover
₹5 lakh cumulative profit
25+ women empowered
About the Initiative
Ashwini Narawade founded Kukadi Mahila Swayam Sahayata Samuha, a women's self-help group in Parner, with support from ICAR-DOGR's Agri-Business Incubator. This collective specializes in value-added onion products while empowering rural women through agricultural entrepreneurship.
Key Achievements
- Annual turnover of ₹12 lakh with ₹5 lakh cumulative profits
- Empowered 25+ women from rural households
- Developed 6 traditional onion-based products
- Established brand presence in local markets
ICAR-DOGR Support
Through the ABI program, ICAR-DOGR provided crucial support including:
- Training on food processing and packaging
- Access to modern processing equipment
- Business development guidance
- Market linkage support
"The training and equipment from ICAR-DOGR helped us transform our traditional kitchen recipes into marketable products," says Ashwini Narawade.
Products and Impact
The group's success includes:
- Onion chutneys and pickles with 6-month shelf life
- Dehydrated onion products for local restaurants
- 40% increase in income for member families
- Financial independence for rural women
Women Empowerment
The initiative has transformed lives:
- All members now have independent bank accounts
- Children's education funding secured
- Community respect and recognition earned
- Model for other women's groups in Maharashtra
Future Vision
The group aims to:
- Expand product line to 10+ items
- Obtain FSSAI certification
- Establish an all-women farmer producer company
- Double membership to 50+ women
