Raipur: The Chhattisgarh government, under Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, has launched a transformative initiative linking women empowerment with nutrition improvement by entrusting Self-Help Groups (SHGs) with the preparation and distribution of supplementary nutrition food for Anganwadi centres.
The programme is helping rural women gain employment while ensuring better nutritional support for children, pregnant women, and lactating mothers across the state.
Women SHGs Take Charge of Nutrition Supply Chain
Earlier, ready-to-eat supplementary nutrition food was produced by external agencies. Now, the responsibility has been handed over to women-led SHGs, enabling local employment and community participation.
This shift has created a sustainable livelihood model where rural women are actively involved in:
- Production of nutritious food
- Packaging and quality control
- Storage and distribution
- Supply to Anganwadi centres
Officials said this has significantly improved both income generation and nutritional delivery systems.
Pilot Project Implemented in Six Districts
In the first phase, the initiative has been launched as a pilot project in six districts:
- Raigarh
- Korba
- Surajpur
- Bastar
- Dantewada
- Balodabazar-Bhatapara
A total of 42 women SHGs have been assigned the responsibility of producing and distributing ready-to-eat food.
Thousands of Women Gain Employment Opportunities
The initiative has already provided employment to thousands of rural women, strengthening their financial independence.
District-wise participation includes:
- Korba: 10 SHGs
- Raigarh: 10 SHGs
- Surajpur & Balodabazar-Bhatapara: 7 SHGs each
- Bastar: 6 SHGs
- Dantewada: 2 SHGs
The Raigarh unit has become the first operational model, setting an example for other districts.
Nutritious Food for Children and Mothers
In Surajpur district, women SHGs are producing nutritious items such as salted porridge and sweet energy mixes.
These foods are enriched with essential nutrients including:
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin D
- Iron
- Calcium
- Zinc
- Folic acid
These nutrients are crucial for the health of children, pregnant women, and lactating mothers.
Women Also Managing Distribution System
In Surajpur alone, around 430 women are actively involved in delivering nutrition supplies to Anganwadi centres.
The programme has not only created employment but also empowered women to take leadership roles in production and distribution systems.
Skill Development and Financial Independence
Women working in production units have been trained in:
- Machine operation
- Quality testing
- Packaging and storage
- Distribution management
- Basic accounting
This has helped rural women transition into skilled workers and micro-entrepreneurs.
A Model of Nutrition-Linked Women Empowerment
State officials said the initiative is emerging as a dual-impact model that combines:
- Women empowerment
- Nutritional security
By integrating livelihoods with public welfare, the scheme is improving both household incomes and child nutrition indicators in rural areas.
About the Initiative
The programme reflects a broader shift in governance where women are not only beneficiaries but also active contributors to state development. It is being seen as a model for “nutrition with empowerment” in India’s rural development landscape.
