Udaipur, May 27 (Udaipur Kiran) – Hindustan Zinc Limited has launched a millet unit to promote self-employment and financial independence among women associated with Sakhi groups in areas surrounding the Rajpura Dariba Complex under its CSR initiatives.
The company said the initiative aims to connect rural women with sustainable livelihood opportunities and strengthen women-led enterprises. Over the past five years, two women-led industries have already been established under the programme.
Started in August 2021, the women-owned and women-led social enterprise Sakhi Utpadan Samiti has been working to improve the lives of rural women in Rajasthan. Through the Sakhi initiative, more than 25,000 women have been organised into over 2,000 self-help groups.
The millet unit for Sakhi women from the Rajpura Dariba region was inaugurated by independent directors Anoop Kumar Mittal and Dr. Aruna Sharma.
The unit has a production capacity of 1,250 kilograms of cookies per month and will provide direct employment to 10 Sakhi women. Products made from millet are rich in fibre, protein, iron and essential minerals, supporting better nutrition and healthy eating habits.
According to the company, the initiative will help women earn income, build self-reliance and establish the millet unit as a recognised brand.
Hindustan Zinc has also focused on connecting Sakhi products with local, state and national markets to improve sales opportunities for women entrepreneurs.
Under Sakhi Utpadan Samiti, two major brands are being promoted. “Daaychee” offers traditional and chemical-free food products such as ghee, pickles, cold-pressed oils, spices and snacks prepared using natural ingredients sourced directly from farmers.
The second brand, “Upaaya”, focuses on garments and lifestyle products combining traditional Rajasthani hand-block prints and natural colours with contemporary designs. Products including designer clothes, bags and home décor items are receiving positive response from customers.
At present, 14 production units are operational across Rajasthan and Uttarakhand, including eight textile units and six food units, employing more than 200 women.
Additionally, over 100 Business Sakhis are working as rural sales ambassadors, selling handmade products in nearby villages and towns to earn additional income.
During the financial year 2025-26, Business Sakhis collectively earned Rs 52 lakh, while Sakhi Utpadan Samiti recorded revenue of Rs 2.57 crore.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.
