From Mandi to Mumbai, Kodra grain laddus sell like hot cakes

Mandi, March 3

The laddus made from Kodra grain by women of Dharampur in the district have been a big draw at the World Trade Fair, which started in Mumbai on February 29.

The Dharampur-Farmer Producer Organisation (FPO), formed by the National Cooperative Development Corporation, had last week released its logo to sell its product under the brand name ‘Pahari Ratna’. Within a week, women of Sakoh village of Sidhpur Panchayat sent Kodra grain laddus to Mumbai for exhibition and sale at the World Trade Fair of South Asian countries.

The laddus made from coarse Kodra grain in desi ghee are the only product from Himachal Pradesh to be displayed at the exhibition.

FPO Managing Board member Rajni Saklani said Kodra laddus were sent through air courier service as there was little time left for the exhibition.

FPO Secretary Bhupender Singh said the women groups of Jodhan village of Sakoh and Sajao of Sidhpur Panchayat started making laddus five months ago, while a roup of Chaswal village started making tea from Kodra grains.

“All these women are associated with FPO Dharampur and Livelihood Mission and they were given training by FPO at Sajaopiplu Ambedkar Bhawan in September. Padma Shri Nekram Sharma and trainers of Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Sundernagar, gave them information on making laddus.

Till now, Kodra laddus worth Rs 10 lakh have been sold at NCDC, Mandi, Saksharta and Janvikas Samiti, Gyan Vigyan Samiti and at the local level as well,” he added.

“Now, the FPO has also prepared a plan to make its products available to the customers online, where apart from coarse grains, local turmeric powder and local fruit pickles will also be sold. The sale and exhibition of these products will also be organised at Shivratri Mahotsav in Mandi.