From Homemakers to Entrepreneurs: GJKS Provides Machinery, Power, and Premises to Launch Women-Led Businesses

/0 Comments/in /by

Talent is abundant in rural Ballia, but resources are scarce. At GJKS, we realized that training alone is not enough. To truly break the cycle of poverty, women need the “Three Ms”: Machinery, Market, and Means.

We are proud to announce the launch of our fully equipped Livelihood Production Center, a dedicated space where the women of our Self-Help Groups (SHGs) are transforming from daily wage earners into business owners.

1. Preserving the Taste of Ballia: The Grinding Unit

Ballia is famous for its distinct culinary treasures, particularly Bhatti Sattu, Besan, and spicy Papads. However, most local women were unable to capitalize on this demand due to a lack of heavy-duty equipment.

GJKS has bridged this gap by installing commercial-grade Grinding Machines.
Now, instead of selling raw grains for a pittance, the women are processing them into high-value products:

  • Famous Ballia Bhatti Sattu: Processed hygienically and authentically.

  • Pure Besan & Spices: Freshly ground for local markets.

  • Handmade Papad: utilizing traditional recipes passed down through generations.

By owning the means of production, these women now retain the profits that used to go to middlemen.

2. Lighting the Way: Candle and Incense Making

Diversification is key to a stable income. Alongside food processing, we have conducted intensive training sessions on non-farm livelihoods.

  • Incense Sticks (Agarbatti): Women have been trained to roll and perfume high-quality agarbatti, which has a steady demand in local markets and temples.

  • Candle Making: A skill that ensures income during festivals and power outages.

3. Removing the Overhead Burdens

Starting a business usually requires capital that the poor do not have. Rent and electricity bills often crush a small business before it even starts.

To ensure these women succeed, GJKS has provided a complete ecosystem of support:

  • Rent-Free Premises: We have provided a dedicated workspace at zero cost, ensuring their earnings go into their pockets, not to a landlord.

  • Free Electricity & Utilities: Addressing the chronic power issues in the region, we ensure the center has the power required to run the machines and lights, allowing work to continue without interruption.

The Impact: Dignity and Income

This initiative is not just about making Sattu or candles; it is about creating financial freedom.

With a safe workspace, modern machinery, and no overhead costs, these SHG women are now earning a respectable livelihood. They are no longer dependent on uncertain daily labor; they are proud producers of Ballia’s finest goods.

Support Local, Support Empowerment.
When you buy these products, you are not just buying food or fragrance; you are investing in the independence of a rural woman.