Una: Farmers from forestry project visit Swan Women Federation

Una, March 6

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A delegation of farmers from Integrated Development Project (IDP) today visited the Swan Women Federation, Swan Women (Multipurpose) Cooperative Society and Swan Spices Unit as part of their one-day exposure visit. As many as 34 farmers attended the training session.

Sunita Sharma, secretary of the Swan Women (M) Cooperative Society and senior executive officer of the federation, said their organisation comprises of about 15,000 rural women of Una district, federated into 1,008 self-help groups and engaged in a wide array of activities, including income generation, micro finance, lifestyle improvement, awareness generation, health and sanitation, besides charity.

Sunita said the cooperative society has a working capital of over Rs 16 crore and Rs 10 crore had been given to the groups as loans for undertaking income generation activities. She said the members undertake contract farming for turmeric, chilli, coriander and fenugreek and the crop is procured by the federation for its spices processing unit set up in Badhera village of Haroli subdivision under the brand name Himalayan Swan Spices.

The Himalayan Swan Spices are also empaneled with the state Civil Supplies Corporation for sale in the fair price shops, said organisation president Anuranjana Sharma, adding that spices estimated at Rs 2.5 crore have been sold till date, which includes turmeric, coriander, red chilli, mix spices, chana masala, chat masala, chicken masala, sabzi masala, turmeric gold, tea masala and trifala powder and these were available in food grade pouches or cardboard tetra packs.

IDP assistant project officer Satpal Thind, who accompanied the delegation, said the visit was an eye-opener for the farmers since the Swan Women Federation has been providing financial and social support to thousands of households without any government assistance.

Pinky Sharma, social extension officer and field extension officer Shailja from the IDP also took part in the workshop.