From Empowered Mindset to Self-Reliance – Women of Surajpur Playing a Key Role in Nutrition Production

Raipur, January 2026 : The foundation of economic empowerment rests on a strong and empowered mindset. Firm determination, self-confidence, and sustained effort guide individuals toward success. Women associated with Self-Help Groups (SHGs) in Surajpur district have translated this belief into practice, presenting a powerful example of self-reliance. These women are not only empowering themselves but are also playing a vital role in ensuring nutrition for women and children across the district.

Nutrition and Women’s Empowerment Go Hand in Hand

Nutrition food (Ready-to-Eat or RTE) manufacturing units are government-supported facilities that produce nutritious, pre-cooked food for children, pregnant women, and adolescent girls through Anganwadi centres and other schemes. These units are operated by women Self-Help Groups, ensuring both nutritional security and women’s empowerment. The food products include ingredients such as wheat, pulses, and milk, which are rich in protein and essential nutrients.

Production of Nutritious Savoury Dalia and Sweet Shakti Aahar

With the objective of providing quality nutrition to pregnant women, lactating mothers, and children through Anganwadi centres, Ready-to-Eat (RTE) nutrition food manufacturing units have been launched in the district. These units are producing tasty and nutritious savoury dalia and sweet Shakti Aahar, enriched with essential micronutrients such as Vitamin A, Vitamin D, Thiamine, Riboflavin, Niacin, Pyridoxine, Folic Acid, Cobalamin, Iron, Calcium, and Zinc.

32 Women Directly Engaged in Nutrition Production at Three Units

The district administration has established a total of seven nutrition food manufacturing units in Surajpur district. Currently, three units are being successfully operated in the Bhaiyathan, Pratappur, and Surajpur development blocks. A total of 32 women are directly engaged in nutrition food production across these three units. The manufactured nutrition food is distributed free of cost to pregnant women and children through Anganwadi centres. In this way, women of Self-Help Groups are making an indirect yet extremely significant contribution to strengthening maternal and child health. Importantly, along with production, the responsibility of distribution has also been entrusted to women Self-Help Groups.

Active Role of Self-Help Groups in Distribution

In Surajpur block, 15 Self-Help Groups and in Pratappur block, 13 Self-Help Groups are actively involved in the distribution process. Through these groups, around 430 women are engaged in delivering nutrition food to Anganwadi centres. This initiative has created local employment opportunities for women. Mentally empowered, these women are now achieving economic self-reliance by balancing household responsibilities with livelihood activities.

This initiative is not only expected to significantly improve nutritional levels in the district but also stands as an inspiring example of women’s empowerment and community-driven development.