Bhagyarekha Leads 10 Women’s SHGs to Success Through Black Rice Cultivation

Malkangiri, 6th Nov 2025:  By cultivating black rice, Kalajira Dhaan, Bhagyarekha from Telarai village under Kalimela block in Malkangiri district has managed to change her destiny. Along with cultivating rice, she also runs a rice mill and earns a decent income, becoming financially independent. Not only has she uplifted her own economic status, but she has also shown the path to self-employment to 10 other women from the village through Self Help Groups (SHGs).

Through the “Maa Dharitri” Self Help Group, 10 women are now processing and selling rice made from Kalajira paddy. Observing their enthusiasm, the district administration provided them with an electric rice mill free of cost and even constructed a building for it. In the mill, they process different varieties of rice such as Kalajira, Kalamali, Kalabati, and Basmati. The rice is then packed and sold in the market.

Because Kalajira rice is known for its medicinal and nutritional properties, it sells at a rate of ₹100–₹120 per kilogram. Each year, they buy more than 50 quintals of paddy, investing around ₹2 lakh. After milling and packaging, the total business turnover reaches about ₹5 lakh annually. The profits are shared equally among all the women, said Bhagyarekha. The group has not taken any bank loans for this enterprise.

Their high-quality rice is regularly showcased and sold at events like Malya Banta Mahotsav and Subhadra Mela, organized by the district administration. While Bhagyarekha cultivates rice herself, other group members have collectively grown Kalajira rice on three acres of land this year.

After passing her matriculation exam, Bhagyarekha had to discontinue further studies due to financial constraints. For the past five years, she has also been working as a Community Resource Person (CRP) under the Mission Shakti program in her village. Through the Kalajira rice business, she now manages her household and supports the college education of her son and daughter.

Today, Bhagyarekha has become a source of inspiration for other women in the village. She has formed 10 Self Help Groups and continues to guide and assist them in every possible way.