Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted how the traditional cultivation and processing of Amla (Indian gooseberry) is creating new economic opportunities for farmers and women in Uttar Pradesh’s Pratapgarh, while calling for greater efforts to promote local products and combat malnutrition.
Addressing the nation in the 138th episode of ‘Mann Ki Baat’ on Sunday, PM Modi said Amla, widely used in Indian households in the form of pickles, murabba, juice and Chyawanprash, has been associated with Pratapgarh for generations and has now become a source of new possibilities for local communities.
“Amla has given Pratapgarh a strong identity, and now, this long-standing identity is bringing new opportunities for local farmers and women,” the Prime Minister said.
He said the One District One Product (ODOP) initiative has provided a boost to local entrepreneurs engaged in the Amla trade. Around 100 Amla-processing units are currently operational in Pratapgarh, with women associated with self-help groups playing a significant role.
PM Modi cited the example of the Savitri Phule Self-Help Group in Devgarh Kamasi village, where women are producing Amla candy, preserves and juice. Access to new markets through ODOP has helped increase their income.
He also highlighted the Vindhyavasini Self-Help Group, whose members are producing products such as Amla pickle and digestive powder. The women received processing machinery and access to loan facilities and participated in local trade fairs, resulting in a significant rise in their income.
The Prime Minister said every region of India has its own distinctive product, traditional art or specialised skill, and the ODOP campaign seeks to promote these local strengths.
“Every region of our country certainly possesses some such unique specialty – be it a specific fruit, a traditional art form, or a unique skill. The ‘One District, One Product’ campaign aims to promote these very specialties,” PM Modi said.
He stressed that the identity of villages and small towns should extend beyond local markets and their products should reach consumers across India and in global markets.
“Our endeavour should be to ensure that the identity of our villages and small towns is not confined merely to local markets; these products should reach other parts of the country and even global markets,” he said.
PM Modi said promoting such products also strengthens the ‘Vocal for Local’ campaign and contributes to the goal of self-reliance. He urged people to keep the message of ‘Vocal for Local’ in mind during the upcoming festive season.
PM Modi Highlights State-Level Initiatives Against Malnutrition
The Prime Minister also highlighted initiatives undertaken across states during September’s Nutrition Month, which is dedicated to the fight against malnutrition.
He said individuals and organisations from different sectors had come together to support the campaign, with several initiatives launched this year.
In Chhattisgarh, the ‘Har Ghar Munga – Ghar Ghar Munga’ campaign is encouraging people to include nutritious Munga, or Moringa, in their diets.
In Gujarat, the ‘Vangi Spardha’ is promoting affordable and nutritious local cuisine through competitions featuring dishes made from millets. More than two lakh people have participated in the initiative so far.
PM Modi also praised efforts in Maharashtra, where teachers, Anganwadi workers and parents are participating in awareness campaigns related to nutrition.
In Mizoram, people have joined a campaign to maintain ‘Poshan Vatikas’, or nutrition gardens. The initiative, PM Modi said, reflects the Mizo tradition of ‘Talo-Mad-Yana’, which signifies selfless service and being at the forefront of helping others.
“Such efforts are truly praiseworthy,” PM Modi said, while expressing appreciation for everyone associated with Anganwadi centres who has contributed to these initiatives.
Around 9 Crore Beneficiaries Registered on Poshan Tracker
PM Modi also highlighted the role of technology in strengthening nutrition-related services. He said Anganwadi centres are now digitally connected through the ‘Poshan Tracker’, with approximately nine crore beneficiaries registered on the platform.
“This has enabled better care for children, pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers,” the Prime Minister said.
He called for sustained efforts to eliminate malnutrition from society.
“We must continue this fight against malnutrition with the same spirit; we have to make our society completely free from malnutrition,” PM Modi said.
