Rayagada, September 25: Utkal Alumina International Limited, (UAIL) a 100%
subsidiary of Hindalco Industries of the Aditya Birla Group, in collaboration with
Chocolaca, inaugurated a Roasted Millet Unit at Bilamal in Tikiri, Rayagada district.
This initiative aims to empower local women by creating livelihood opportunities and
fostering self-reliance.
The project has been launched to benefit rural women from the vicinity. Through this
unit, millets will be processed into various healthy food products with attractive
packages, be marketed across odisha and other states, as well as international
markets. Based on the success of production, the initiative will be scaled up to other
areas of Kashipur block, providing livelihood opportunities to more rural women. This
is a CSR initiative by Utkal CSR in association with Chocolaca LLP.
Commending the initiative, Mr. Bijay Kumar Soy, Block Development Officer of
Kashipur, said, “This is a commendable effort by UAIL to empower women and make
them self-reliant. It will provide income, and support families in the region. The
project has the potential to expand further and include more women in the coming
days.”
Similarly, Mr. Siba Shankar Mahapatra, Cluster Head CSR, Hindalco, Said, “Women
should not be dependent upon others for financial stability. With proper training and
skill development, they can become self-reliant. The Roasted Millet Unit is a step in
this direction, and we aim to expand it to more villages of Kashipur block in the
future.”
Ms. Lopamudra Mishra, Head CSR UAIL’s said “Utkal CSR wing has been
consistently playing an active role in livelihood creation and infrastructure
development in its operational and neighbouring villages. We will keep on doing
developmental work for our communities always”.
Among others present were Mr. Jadumani Majhi, Sarpanch of Hadiguda; Mr.
Narayan Mitra, Unit Head HR; Mr. Chandan Choudhary AGM LDC: Mr. Surendra
Sheron Environment Head: Mr. Diganta Mohanty, DH Plant CSR; representatives
from Chocolaca, Ms. Rita Baliarsingh and Ms. Shanta Baliarsingh were present.
Also present were CSR team members including Kartikeshwar Sahu, Rupen
Pattnaik, Somyajit Swain, Manoj Dash, Nirupama Barik, Binod Pujari, Subash
Chandra Nayak, Satyabhama Nayak, Ashish Kumar Sahu, Gajendra Naik, Mausumi
Das, Susmita Khosla, Mohini Naik, Kamdev, Hemlata Saunta, and Gauri, among
others.
Roasted millet unit inaugurated by UAIL .Empowering Women Through Roasted Millet Processing for Sustainable Livelihoods
