Dodiya Prabhaben was born into a low-income family. She worked as an Agri labourer before joining the SHG, where her income was inconsistent and insufficient. After joining the SHG, she began making khakhra, which raised her family's income during the agrarian crisis.

In 2018, Dodiya Prabhaben, a resident of Longadi village in Gujarat's Bhavnagar district, received assistance from the State Rural Livelihood Mission (SRLM) and the Rural Self Employment Training Institute (RSETI) team in establishing her Khakhra manufacturing unit, Om Yuvathi SHG.

She added eight more members to the SHG - Joliya Nitaben Valjibhai, Gauswami Sangitaben Mukeshbharthi, Joliya Kailasben Ashokbhai, Baraiya Namrataben Khimabhai, Joliya Chetnaben Premjibhai, Kantariya Chakuben Lakhmanbhai, Dodiya Jaguben Lavjibhai, and Dodiya Jaguben Gunvantbhai.

Initially, the SHG received Khakhra making training from Mirabai Sakhi Mandal and another from RSETI, which improved the product's quality (Khakhra).

Following that, Om Yuvathi SHG began selling Khakhras under the brand name ‘Mahuwah’ in Sakhi Gram Haat.

Dodiya Prabhaben wanted to further expand the unit. On September 18th, 2021, Om Yuvathi SHG enterprise received seed capital support of Rs. 40,000 under the PM Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises (PMFME) Scheme for working capital and the purchase of small tools and equipment.

With the seed capital support provided by the PMFME Scheme, the SHG has now purchased a stove, packing machine, and other necessary equipment. The machine and other equipment have improved both the quality and quantity of production.

The seed capital assistance has boosted this Aatmanirbhar Enterprise's confidence and skills, allowing it to expand its production capacity and improve the packaging of its products. The SHG has introduced six distinct flavours of Khakhras including masala, methi, gheejira, lasaniya, bajri, and mangroli, making their products one-of-a-kind and highly recommended by consumers throughout the district.

The SHG also promotes its products through social media platforms such as WhatsApp and Instagram, as well as through the distribution of pamphlets at the district level.

Dodiya Prabhaben Babubhai hopes to add 20 more women to this khakhra unit, which will enable all the members to generate a sustainable income. The SHG is positively determined to expand its unit across the state of Gujarat. Om Yuvathi SHG is marketing its products all over India and generated annual revenue of about Rs. 14,00,000/- for FY 2020–21.

Business Details
Enterprise: Om Yuvathi SHG
State: Gujarat
District: Bhavnagar
Email: sangita.tkf@gmail.com

(Content shared by National Rural Livelihood Mission and Gujarat State Rural Livelihood Mission)