Surajpur । The foundation of economic empowerment lies in a strong and positive mindset. Determination, self-confidence, and consistent effort pave the way for success. Women associated with self-help groups (SHGs) in Surajpur district have translated this belief into action, setting a powerful example of self-reliance. These women are not only empowering themselves economically but are also playing a crucial role in ensuring nutrition for women and children across the district.
With the objective of providing quality nutrition to pregnant women, lactating mothers, and children through Anganwadi centers, the district administration has launched Ready-to-Eat (RTE) nutrition food manufacturing units. These units produce nutritious and tasty items such as savory porridge (namkeen daliya) and sweet fortified food (shakti aahar). The products are enriched with essential micronutrients including Vitamin A, Vitamin D, Thiamine, Riboflavin, Niacin, Pyridoxine, Folic Acid, Cobalamin, Iron, Calcium, and Zinc, ensuring balanced nutrition.
A total of seven nutrition food manufacturing units have been established in the district. Currently, three units are operating successfully in the Bhaiyathan, Pratappur, and Surajpur development blocks. These units directly employ 32 women, who are actively engaged in the production process. The prepared nutrition food is distributed free of cost to pregnant women and children through Anganwadi centers, thereby strengthening maternal and child health services.
Importantly, the responsibility of both production and distribution of the nutrition food has been entrusted to women self-help groups. In Bhaiyathan and Surajpur blocks, 15 SHGs each, and in Pratappur block, 13 SHGs, are actively involved in distribution activities. Through these groups, a total of 430 women are engaged in delivering nutrition food to Anganwadi centers across the district.
This initiative has created local employment opportunities for women, enabling them to earn a livelihood alongside managing household responsibilities. With enhanced confidence and financial independence, these women are emerging as a strong force in the district’s development.
The initiative is expected to significantly improve nutritional standards in Surajpur while simultaneously serving as an inspiring model of women empowerment, demonstrating how empowered thinking can lead to sustainable self-reliance and social transformation.