Kumar Bahukhandi
Members of Saraswati Self-Help Group at their ready-to-eat supplementary nutrition unit in Dumarmuda, Raigarh district. The group reports a collective monthly profit of around ₹50,000, according to a government release issued on Sunday, November 1, 2026. Photo: channel24india.com via CG/DPR
Linked with the Bihan livelihood programme, Saraswati Self-Help Group in Dumarmuda is strengthening household incomes while supplying supplementary nutrition to anganwadi centres
Key Highlights
- Saraswati Self-Help Group began producing ready-to-eat supplementary nutrition in April 2026.
- The group reports a collective monthly profit of around ₹50,000.
- Ten women’s self-help groups have been selected to supply nutrition to Raigarh district’s 2,709 anganwadi centres.
- The initiative connects women’s livelihoods with the delivery of supplementary nutrition to children and women.
Raigarh: For women belonging to Saraswati Self-Help Group in Dumarmuda village, producing ready-to-eat supplementary nutrition has become a source of regular income and greater financial independence. The group is earning a collective monthly profit of around ₹50,000 through the enterprise, according to a state government release issued on Sunday, November 1.
The initiative forms part of the Chhattisgarh government’s efforts under Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai to expand livelihood opportunities for women’s self-help groups while strengthening supplementary nutrition supplies through anganwadi centres.
By bringing rural women into food production and distribution, the programme is helping them contribute to household expenses while participating in a service intended to support the nutritional needs of children and women.
Bihan Opens a New Livelihood Opportunity
A member of Saraswati Self-Help Group pours grain into processing equipment at the ready-to-eat supplementary nutrition unit in Dumarmuda, Raigarh district. The group’s livelihood initiative was highlighted in a government release issued on Sunday, November 1, 2026. Photo: channel24india.com via CG/DPR
Saraswati Self-Help Group member Champa Chauhan said joining the Bihan livelihood programme had opened up better income-generating opportunities for the women.
The group received responsibility for ready-to-eat nutrition production in April 2026. Since then, the work has provided a regular source of earnings and helped members strengthen their families’ financial position.
Chauhan said income from production and distribution had reduced their dependence on others for personal and household needs.
“The income from production and distribution has made the women of our group less dependent on others for their needs. We are now contributing to improving our families’ financial condition,” Chauhan said.
The reported monthly profit of around ₹50,000 is earned by the group collectively.
From Grain Processing to Packaged Nutrition
The production process involves several stages, with members preparing the supplementary food according to prescribed standards.
Wheat, gram, soyabean and other required ingredients undergo machine-assisted cleaning, roasting, grinding and sieving. The processed ingredients are then blended in the specified proportions using a mixing machine.
The prepared mixture is packaged for supply, with distribution organised according to requisitions received from anganwadi centres.
This arrangement links production with local requirements and supports the timely supply of supplementary nutrition. It also gives the women practical experience in operating a food-processing enterprise, from handling ingredients to preparing products for dispatch.
Ten Groups Selected Across Raigarh
According to the release, ten women’s self-help groups have been selected to ensure the supply of supplementary nutrition to 2,709 anganwadi centres across Raigarh district.
The arrangement creates livelihood opportunities for participating groups while supporting the district’s nutrition delivery network.
For Saraswati Self-Help Group, the responsibility has translated into an enterprise that brings together local employment, collective work and a regular supply requirement.
The women’s earnings are helping them meet everyday expenses and make a greater contribution to their households.
Financial Support for Food-Processing Enterprises
The release also highlighted support available under the Pradhan Mantri Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises Scheme (PMFME) to help strengthen such enterprises.
It stated that credit-linked capital subsidy of 35 per cent of the eligible project cost, up to ₹10 lakh, is available for establishing or upgrading eligible food-processing units.
The release further cited seed capital assistance of ₹40,000 per eligible self-help group member towards working capital needs.
These provisions are intended to help participating enterprises access equipment and resources necessary for production. The release did not specify the amount received by Saraswati Self-Help Group.
Linking Women’s Incomes with Nutrition Delivery
The Dumarmuda initiative illustrates how supplementary nutrition production can support two connected objectives: expanding women’s earning opportunities and maintaining supplies to anganwadi centres.
For the participating women, the most immediate change is the ability to earn through their own collective enterprise and contribute more confidently to family finances.
For the district’s anganwadi network, the involvement of local groups provides a production and distribution arrangement linked to the requirements submitted by centres.
Saraswati Self-Help Group’s experience reflects the role that organised livelihood support can play in helping rural women move towards greater economic independence.
