Powered with Velma, SHG of diffabled gets ready for global challenge

Speaking to DT Next, TN Rural Livelihood Mission Assistant Project Director Ruban Austin said that the project would encourage SHGs manned by rural women to successfully compete with established brands.

“The SHG, established with six differently-abled members, 3 men and as many women seven months ago at Pinnathurai of Anaicut panchayat union, has proved its worth by making quality products,” said Mission Project Director AR Sivaraman.

The health mix, which has nutrients such as fat, protein, iron, zinc, magnesium, carbohydrates, phosphorus, calcium and fibre, is similar to the contents in the established brands, yet it is priced at only Rs 150 for 500 grams and Rs 75 for 200 grams to make it affordable for all sections.

“Two websites (www. velmashoppy.com and www.velma.in) have been hosted aimed at winning online orders” added Ruban. Satish (27), leader of the SHG, said they did not want to be just another SHG working on mundane tasks like manufacturing pappad, pickles and incense sticks.

“We wanted to do something different and profitable, that led us to the idea of health mix,” he said.

Kiosks marketing the products are set to be opened in 777 panchayats of the district. The Vellore District Industries Centre (DIC) has chosen beneficiaries who would run the kiosks and has loaned them a total of Rs 6.21 crore for the purpose.

According to Sivaraman, the initiative has met with good public response till now with the initial monthly production of 900 kilograms increased to 1,500 kilograms due to high demand.

“We plan to ramp up our production capacity to 5,000 kilograms per month, once all the kiosks become operational,” he concluded.