Udaipur, May 27: Hindustan Zinc has inaugurated a millet unit aimed at connecting local women to self-employment opportunities and promoting self-reliance in the Rajpura-Dariba complex area. This initiative is part of Hindustan Zinc’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) efforts, which focus on promoting small industries. Over the past five years, two women-led enterprises have been established, empowering women entrepreneurs.
Founded in August 2021, the Sakhi Production Committee, a women-owned and women-led social enterprise, is making significant changes in the lives of rural women in Rajasthan. This committee, initiated under Hindustan Zinc’s flagship CSR programme, Sakhi, has organized over 25,000 women into more than 2,000 self-help groups, empowering them economically.
The millet unit was inaugurated by Hindustan Zinc’s Independent Director Anup Kumar Mittal and Dr. Aruna Sharma, specifically for the Sakhi women of the Rajpura-Dariba area. The unit has a production capacity of 1,250 kilograms of cookies per month and will directly employ ten women. The products made from millet are rich in fiber, protein, iron, and essential minerals, contributing to better nutrition and healthy eating.
This initiative not only aims to provide sustainable employment for women but also helps them establish their own identities. It is expected that the women will earn income and be able to position the millet unit as a recognized brand.
Recognizing the importance of income generation for Sakhi groups, Hindustan Zinc has connected their products to local, state, and national markets, ensuring that the products made by Sakhi women reach consumers directly. The Sakhi Production Committee features two main brands: Daichi, which offers pure and chemical-free food products made using traditional methods and natural ingredients, and Upaya, which combines traditional Rajasthani hand-block prints with contemporary designs for comfortable and affordable apparel.
The Sakhi Production Committee is committed to providing livelihood opportunities for rural women, enabling them to earn with dignity. Many women, who had never worked outside their homes before, have become role models in their families and communities, breaking social barriers and inspiring others to dream big. Currently, there are 14 production units in Rajasthan and Uttarakhand, comprising eight textile and six food units, employing over 200 women. Additionally, more than 100 business Sakhi act as rural sales ambassadors, earning extra income by selling handmade products in nearby villages and towns. In the financial year 2025-26, these business Sakhi collectively earned ₹5.2 million, while the Sakhi Production Committee recorded a revenue of ₹25.7 million, reflecting a positive impact on women’s livelihoods.
In 2023, the Sakhi Production Committee launched its first online marketplace, Hearts with Fingers, connecting rural women and farmers directly with customers who prefer authentic, handmade products. This platform helps enterprises reach broader markets.
Last year, the launch of Daichi products on Amazon was a significant success, increasing product availability and performance. Cow ghee from Daichi received the Amazon’s Choice badge, while mango pickle became a bestseller. Some Daichi products are now also available on subscription. With the rollout of social commerce on Flipkart, ONDC, and soon on WhatsApp, Instagram, and Facebook, the Sakhi Production Committee is creating new opportunities for rural women entrepreneurs, bringing authentic, handmade products to a national audience.