Ludhiana: Seven women agri-entrepreneurs from Himachal Pradesh were recently awarded the prestigious Innovative Women Entrepreneur Awards during the Foundation Day celebrations of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research’s (ICAR) held at Agricultural Technology Application Research Institute (ATARI).
Those honoured were supported by the Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) in Chamba, Shimla, Solan, and Lahaul & Spiti II, which are supervised by Dr. YS Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni. These women have demonstrated exceptional entrepreneurship, combining innovation with dedication to uplift their local communities. Their work spans across various sectors such as natural products, food processing, and handicrafts, driving economic growth and empowering them socially and financially.
The recognised women entrepreneurs are:
Chamba District
Anjali Kumari (Udhapur) was honored for her successful branding and marketing of products under the Pangi Hills FPO. Her diverse portfolio includes natural forest products, herbs, superfoods, body care items, agricultural goods, woolen and cotton clothing, as well as arts and crafts.
Reetu Devi (Bhandarka) specializes in food processing and marketing through the Astha Self Help Group. Her notable products include Chamba Green Chukh, Chamba Red Chukh, and a variety of homemade pickles.
Babli Kumari (Chamba) produces high-quality jute-based products through her Chamunda Self Help Group, catering to local and regional markets.
Solan District:
Solan District
Pinki Devi (Koti Deora) has been practicing natural farming for the past four years. In addition to livestock and millet cultivation, she runs a Natural Produce Center, creating a range of millet-based food products.
Aarti Shandil (Kawarag), trained under the ARYA Project by KVK Solan, has been successfully cultivating button mushrooms. Last year, she launched a small industry under the National Rural Livelihood Mission to make biodegradable plates from Taur leaves, providing employment to 7-8 women. Aarti’s products are sold online.
Lahaul & Spiti District
Cherring Butith (Sumling, Lahaul & Spiti) was recognized for her leadership in the seabuckthorn industry. Supported by KVK Lahaul & Spiti II, Cherring is a key member of the Spiti Seabuckthorn Society, which promotes the processing of seabuckthorn. The society consists of 75 farmers and produces a wide range of seabuckthorn products, including powder, juice, tea, berries, and jam.
Shimla District:
Shimla District
Dr. Divya Sharma (Jagothi, Shimla) was honored for her work in food processing, focusing on fruits and forest produce. She has also played an important role in training women to develop innovative food products with the support of KVK Shimla.
Awards for Excellence
Dr. Usha Sharma (KVK Shimla) received the Performance Excellence Award for her leadership in natural farming, especially for developing scientific models to improve apple cultivation.
Words of Appreciation:
Vice Chancellor Prof. Rajeshwar Singh Chandel congratulated the awardees, commending them for becoming role models for women’s empowerment and entrepreneurship. He also praised the KVK teams of Shimla, Solan, Chamba, and Lahaul & Spiti-II for their continuous support in fostering the growth of women entrepreneurs in the region.
Dr. Inder Dev, Director of Extension Education, also congratulated the awardees and KVK teams for their pivotal roles in promoting women’s entrepreneurship and empowerment.
