Women Ensuring Family and Social Well-being Through Sustainable Farming and Herbal Products

Dharamshala, March 8, 2025: Women have traditionally been the caretakers of their families’ health and nutrition. However, in Kangra district, some hardworking women have gone a step further by contributing to the health of society while achieving economic independence. Among them, Laxmi Devi, Parveen Kumari, and Asha Devi have set inspiring examples by producing millet-based foods and tulsi (basil) products, ensuring both sustainability and wellness.

Laxmi Devi’s Journey from Farmer to Entrepreneur

Hailing from a farming family in Dharamshala, Laxmi Devi wanted to do more for her household’s financial stability. She joined the Aakanksha Self-Help Group (SHG) under the National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM) and learned business skills. Observing the increasing consumption of unhealthy processed foods, she developed ragi (finger millet) and semolina momos, which quickly gained market acceptance as a nutritious alternative.

With support from the district administration, she also started a “Him Ira” shop in Dharamshala, where she sells her products along with other SHG goods. Today, she is financially independent and has even achieved lakhpati (six-figure) status, all while promoting healthy eating habits.

Parveen Kumari’s Success in Millet Farming

In Baijnath, Parveen Kumari transformed her family’s traditional farming into a profitable venture by cultivating bajra (pearl millet), ragi, and jowar (sorghum). Through the Vaibhav Lakshmi SHG, she received training in organic farming, marketing, and sales strategies. Today, she earns ₹18,000–₹20,000 per month, inspiring other women to pursue financial independence through sustainable agriculture.

Asha Devi’s Herbal Products Empowering Communities

In Paddar, Asha Devi leveraged the NRLM initiative to start producing tulsi-based health products, including tulsi extract, tea, and soap. With financial aid from her Abhilasha SHG, she acquired modern machinery, boosting production and quality. Her monthly earnings of ₹15,000–₹20,000 reflect the growing demand for organic wellness products in the market.

Supporting Women Entrepreneurs: The Role of District Administration

Deputy Commissioner Hemraj Bairwa emphasized ongoing efforts to train, brand, and market women’s products. Recently, the “Him Ira” store was inaugurated outside the Dharamshala Zila Parishad Office to help SHGs sell their products. Plans are underway to expand these stores across the district and enhance product packaging to boost market appeal. Additionally, a Him Ira website has been launched to facilitate online sales, further empowering women entrepreneurs.