- ‘Business started under Pradhan Mantri Micro Food Processing Enterprise Upgradation Scheme is now providing employment in remote tribal villages’ and facilities
- ‘Rice mill and tora mill processing unit set up with a loan of Rs 3.90 lakh’
Through her hard work and unwavering self-confidence, 38-year-old Usha Kunjam, a resident of the remote tribal village of Murdonda (Usur tehsil) in Bijapur district, has transformed a life of struggle into a new dimension of success. Today, she has not only become self-reliant but has also become a major source of inspiration for the women and youth of her area.
- ‘Journey from hardship to entrepreneurship’
Mrs. Usha Kunjam struggled with unemployment and financial hardship for a long time. Amidst family responsibilities, she had no stable source of income, and being in a remote forest area, employment opportunities were extremely limited. Meanwhile, she learned about the Pradhan Mantri Micro Food Processing Enterprise Upgradation Scheme through the District Trade and Industry Center, Bijapur. Under the department’s guidance, she applied for a loan and was approved for a loan of ₹390,400 from the Bijapur branch of ICICI Bank in the financial year 2025-26.
- ‘Mahua Tora processing changed fortunes’
With this financial support, Usha Kunjam established a rice mill and a tora (mahua seed) processing unit in her village. This initiative has brought about a significant change at the local level. Value addition of tora oil: Previously, tora was sold for a pittance at just 8 to 10 rupees per kg in the area. Now, Usha extracts oil from it, packages it attractively, and sells it in the market for 100 rupees per liter. This oil is in high demand due to its use in religious ceremonies and festivals.
She is also earning additional profits by selling the remaining oil cake at 12 to 15 rupees per kg.
- ‘Villagers get rice mill facility near their homes’
The opening of the rice mill in the village has brought great relief to the local villagers. Previously, villagers had to travel miles to get rice from paddy, but now this facility is available in the village itself. They are also increasing their income by selling the bran, husk, and husk produced from rice processing.
Women entrepreneur Mrs. Usha Kunjam explained that initially, she faced many challenges, such as lack of technical knowledge, limited resources, and access to markets, but she never gave up. Today, with the guidance of the District Trade and Industry Center, her financial situation has strengthened and she is paying her bank installments on time. Usha Kunjam credits the Bijapur District Trade and Industry Center for her remarkable success. She also urged other youth and women in the area to take advantage of government schemes and become self-reliant by starting their own businesses.