Hyderabad, April 20:
Agros, a public sector organization, is taking steps to empower women in the millet business by setting up millet outlets with the participation of enterprising women across the state. The organization has planned to establish ten outlets in the first phase, one or two in each of the district centers across the state, including Greater Hyderabad. Agros has partnered with the Akshaya Patra organization of the Hare Krishna Mission to sell millets and their processed products. To ensure the success of this initiative, Agros will provide special training to women entrepreneurs who have been selected to run the outlets.
An awareness program for women entrepreneurs was conducted at the Indian Institute of Millet Research (IIMR) in Rajendranagar. The program aimed to create awareness on millet businesses, necessary investments, loans, and supply of goods. Agros Chairman Vijayasimha Reddy, Agriculture Department Secretary Raghunandan Rao, Special Commissioner Hanumantu, Agros MD Ramulu, Akshaya Patra, and HDFC Bank representatives participated in the event.
Agros has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Akshayapatra Foundation of Harekrishna Mission to supply essential small grains and their products for the Millet Outlets. Akshayapatra Foundation will supply 68 varieties of millet products, including ready-to-cook items such as millets, noodles, biscuits, chapati, idli, and dosa.
To support women entrepreneurs, Agros has entered into an agreement with HDFC Bank to provide loans without collateral. Women who are willing to set up an outlet will be given loans based on various government schemes. Bank officials have assured that they will work hard to provide loans to women entrepreneurs to ensure their financial stability.
Overall, Agros’s initiative aims to create a sustainable and inclusive millet business model that empowers women entrepreneurs while promoting healthy food habits.
