In a significant boost to rural entrepreneurship, the Jharkhand State Livelihood Mission Society (JSLPS) has successfully empowered thousands of residents, with a special focus on women in villages. The transformative initiative, branded as 'Palash', was established in 2020 with a clear mission: to enable women's self-help groups (SHGs) to produce, consolidate, and market indigenous and naturally derived products, thereby opening doors to larger markets and better income opportunities.
From Raw Products to Branded Identity: The Palash Model
The Palash model is comprehensive, encompassing the entire value chain—from production and collectivization to processing, packaging, branding, and marketing. Crucially, the ownership of this chain rests firmly with the women of the SHGs and their institutions. Products are sold through dedicated 'Palash Marts' and various online platforms.
Ananya Mittal, the chief executive officer of Palash-JSLPS, emphasized the shift in mindset. "Women, who previously sold raw products, now have a branded identity," she said. "At JSLPS, our focus is on enabling women to become confident entrepreneurs, not just income earners. Through SHGs, capacity building, access to finance, and market linkages under initiatives like the Palash brand, rural women are transforming local skills into sustainable enterprises."
This approach has not only provided better income but also fostered identity, leadership, self-reliance, and resilience within communities, Mittal added.
Sweet Success: SHGs Forge Unique Paths
Across Jharkhand, numerous SHGs are writing their own success stories under the Palash umbrella. In Jajpur village of Nagri Block, Ranchi, members of the Priya Mahila Samiti formed 'The SHG Bakers'. They skillfully combine traditional millets with modern techniques to produce hygienic, eco-friendly chocolates.
Raymuni Kispotta, a member, shared their progress. "We set up stalls at fairs besides taking orders from our Nagri unit. There are plans to set up a stall near Kucheri Chowk next year," she said. The group creates a variety of items including nut bars, coco bars, peanut bars, almond chocolates, and chocolates infused with the essence of orange, bananas, and other fruits. With a chocolate bar priced at Rs 10 and a jar of essence chocolates at Rs 150, the venture is profitable. "All of us earn a good living and send our kids to good schools," Kispotta stated.
In Lohardaga district, the Saraswati Mahila Mandal SHG from Senha village produced 800 jute bags, which were sold at local markets and the Saras mela during Christmas. Member Esther Lakra reported making jute bags, purses, and toys, with products sold through the Ranchi handicraft office as well as Palash outlets.
Scaling Up: Bakery Enterprises and Market Expansion
The entrepreneurial spirit is scaling up to formal enterprises. In the Torpa block of Khunti district, Ashishan Guria launched a bakery unit under the Upal Baa Mahila Mandal in 2024. The unit employs six women in production and one male delivery staff. Specializing in ragi-based cakes and cookies, along with bread and mixtures, the bakery sources raw materials locally and markets through exhibitions, fairs, and local networks.
The venture saw impressive daily sales of Rs 4,000 to 5,000. Support came from the district administration, which provided a bakery machine to the Torpa cluster-level federation (CLF). The mandal itself invested Rs 50,000, supplemented by an SHG loan of another Rs 50,000. After six women received training and employment, the mandal now plans to expand by employing 12 members, acquiring high-capacity machinery, and widening its retail network.
During Christmas, a stall at the Torpa Nishchit Clock ground sold atta fruit cake, mahua fruit cake, cookies, and namkeen, supplying cakes to local schools, churches, and families and maintaining the strong sales figures.
The reach of Palash was prominently displayed at the Christmas Gatherings Fair in Simdega's Paramveer Albert Ekka Stadium complex. A Palash stall organized by JSLPS attracted large crowds. Women from various blocks exhibited cakes, ragi-based biscuits, laddoos, and namkeen. An exhibition of traditional Jharkhand garments highlighted tribal designs, while the Palash Didi Café served local dishes. Visitors acknowledged the event's crucial role in providing market access and economically empowering rural women.
The journey of Palash and the women it supports stands as a powerful testament to how structured support, branding, and market access can transform local skills into engines of sustainable economic growth and social change.
