Women cooperative society launches spices

Our Correspondent

Una, December 1

The Swan Women (Multipurpose) Cooperative Society, the first women cooperative of the state, yesterday launched ‘The Swan Spices’ products during its first Raising Day observed at Rampur village near Una. The products were launched by Additional District Magistrate Rajesh Kumar Maria, while Assistant Registrar of Cooperative Societies Surinder Verma presided over the function.

The products that were launched included turmeric powder, coriander powder, chilli powder and ground Indian spices. A number of spices, including turmeric, coriander and chilli are produced locally by members of the Swan Women Federation, a collective of about 500 women self-help groups (SHGs), having a combined membership of about 8,000 rural women.

The spices are being processed at the federation’s food processing unit set up at Badheda village, where the local panchayat has leased a 4-kanal plot for the purpose. An automated processing and packaging machinery has been set up at the unit with the assistance of the government.

Speaking on the occasion, the ADM said the society was providing a unique opportunity for empowerment of rural women, adding that the district administration would extend its full support and cooperation for ensuring marketing of the produce. He hailed the efforts of the society in providing good quality seeds and ensuring buyback of agriculture produce of women farmers, improving their economy and providing employment to women engaged in processing and marketing of spices.

Chief Executive Officer of the cooperative society RK Dogra and chairperson Raj Kumari said women self-help groups had begun credit and deposit linkages. they said the society had created assets worth Rs 4 crore, adding that the dividends will be distributed to women members.