MilletVillage - A Nutrient Rich Millet based Snack Manufacturing Hub contributing in Villages Development

partially funded

Ahmednagar and Nashik Districts of Maharashtra shelters a sizable Adivasi population dwelling in its forest areas. Although the agro forestry business is in progress in these regions, there are some untouched topics of this Business. The area grows a huge quantity of Black Berries [Karvanda] and Jamun Fruits naturally in its forests. Due to plenty of water availability and intervened forests lands by humans these fruits grow naturally over acres of lands. Very small portion of them are harvest and sold as table fruits. This social business proposal focuses on processing of these fruits to turn them into delicious byproducts and selling them in metropolitans. This project has been designed for three main beneficiaries, the farmers, who will form the FPOs for production cum harvesting of raw materials- the Women through their self-help groups will process the produce- and a body of trained and skilled workforce will market these processed finish products which will have nutritional significance. Berries are naturally rich in antioxidants while Jamun fruit has anti diabetic values. AIC-ADT Baramati Foundation will help in trainings, mentoring and management support. The profit obtained from this firm will be donated for development of Adivasi Tribes and for promotion of research and innovation activities at AIC-ADT. To start with, the project will require funding for processing setup and to cover the operational costs. The FPOs and SHGs can benefit through different schemes of government. This project will focus on providing educational opportunities to the tribal people in the region.