my uttarakhand news Bureau
DEHRADUN, 20 Dec: A significant step towards promoting traditional agriculture, value addition, and women-led rural enterprises, traditional Doon Basmati rice and a range of nutritious flour products were formally launched on Saturday by Chief Development Officer Dehradun Abhinav Shah at the HILANS Bakery & Outlet, Vikas Bhawan campus, Dehradun.
The newly launched products include Traditional Doon Basmati Rice, Wheat Flour, Maize (Makki) Flour, Multigrain Flour, and Finger Millet (Mandua) Flour. These products are produced and processed by women-led community institutions, namely Saksham Cluster Level Federation (CLF), Swabhiman Mahila CLF, and Udaan CLF, with support under the Rural Enterprise Acceleration Project (REAP) implemented by the Uttarakhand Gramya Vikas Samiti (UGVS) under the Rural Development Department, Government of Uttarakhand.
During the launch, the CDO emphasized the importance of strengthening local value chains, traditional crops, and community-owned enterprises. He noted that initiatives like these not only ensure market access for farmers and SHGs but also play a vital role in enhancing sustainable livelihoods and rural economic growth in Uttarakhand.
Under REAP, targeted support has been extended to Cluster Level Federations for establishing processing units. The Udaan CLF has been supported to set up a wheat flour processing unit, enabling direct procurement of wheat from local farmers and ensuring better prices and market linkages. Similarly, Saksham CLF is actively engaged in promoting the cultivation, processing, and marketing of traditional Doon Basmati rice, while Swabhiman Mahila CLF is leading the production of millet–based flours, contributing to nutritional security and revival of traditional food systems.
These enterprises are collectively benefiting more than 2,500 women, directly and indirectly, through raw material supply, processing, packaging, and marketing activities. The products are being marketed under the HILANS brand, providing consumers with access to pure, high-quality, locally sourced Himalayan products while showcasing the dedication and enterprise of rural women.
Speaking on the occasion, the District Project Manager Shri Kailash Bhatt highlighted that the initiative reflects a strong commitment to empowering local communities, strengthening producer institutions, and expanding market reach for traditional and value-added products. The launch marks an important milestone in connecting farmers, SHGs, and CLFs with organized markets.
The event was attended by district officials DDO Sunil Kumar, APD Sonam Gupta ,project representatives, REAP staff, and board members of the Cluster Level Federations, reinforcing a shared commitment towards inclusive growth, women’s empowerment, and sustainable rural enterprises in Uttarakhand.
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