Women of Kalsi Rewrite Their Future: Mustard Oil Unit Emerges as a Symbol of Self-Reliance
REAP Project Empowers 764 Rural Women; ‘Hilans’ Mustard Oil Brand Gains Market Recognition
Dehradun:
Women from Haripur village in Kalsi block of Dehradun district have created an inspiring model of rural entrepreneurship through collective effort, determination, and leadership. The Cold and Hot Pressed Mustard Oil Unit, operated by the Vikas Mahila Cluster Level Federation (CLF), has emerged as a successful example of women’s empowerment and economic self-reliance.
Established in September 2024 under the Rural Enterprise Acceleration Project (REAP–Gramotthan), the unit has not only generated sustainable livelihoods for rural women but has also built a strong market presence through the production of high-quality mustard oil. The product, marketed under the ‘Hilans’ brand, is gaining popularity across Kalsi, Vikasnagar, and Dehradun.
Established with an Investment of ₹10 Lakh
The Vikas Mahila Cluster Level Federation set up the mustard oil processing unit with a total investment of ₹10 lakh. Of this amount, ₹6 lakh was provided as project assistance under REAP, ₹3 lakh was secured through a bank loan, and ₹1 lakh was contributed by the women themselves.
Today, the unit has become a reliable and sustainable source of income for rural women. It produces pure mustard oil using both traditional wooden cold-press (ghani) techniques and modern hot-pressed processing methods. The quality and purity of the product have led to increasing demand in local as well as urban markets.
Economic Empowerment for 764 Women
The federation comprises 14 Village Organizations, 120 Self-Help Groups (SHGs), and 764 women members. Women actively participate in all aspects of the enterprise, including production, packaging, quality control, marketing, and management.
The unit generates an average monthly income of approximately ₹70,000. Since its establishment, mustard oil worth nearly ₹24–25 lakh has been sold. Additionally, the enterprise has created direct employment opportunities for four to five women, contributing significantly to their household incomes.
‘Hilans’ Brand Earns Consumer Trust
The mustard oil produced by the women is marketed under the ‘Hilans’ brand. Owing to its purity, quality, and traditional processing methods, the product has steadily gained consumer confidence.
A major milestone for the enterprise was the procurement of 1,700 litres of mustard oil by House of Himalayas, generating revenue of over ₹5 lakh for the women’s federation. The unit is also supplying mustard oil regularly to IIT Roorkee, further strengthening its credibility and market reach.
Currently, cold-pressed mustard oil is being sold at ₹300 per litre, while hot-pressed mustard oil is available at ₹240 per kilogram.
Mustard Cake Creating Additional Income Opportunities
The by-product generated during oil extraction—mustard cake—has become an additional source of income for the women. It is being sold to local farmers and livestock owners at rates ranging from ₹25 to ₹30 per kilogram, creating further economic opportunities while supporting agricultural activities in the region.
Online Marketing Expands Business Reach
According to federation member Reena Chauhan, the group has expanded its sales through digital platforms. The products are being marketed directly to consumers through the Hillsum website. In addition, promotional activities are being carried out through government events, exhibitions, the District Development Office, and various CLF centers.
She also informed that the geo-mapping process of the unit is underway, which will enable consumers to locate and visit the production center directly in the future.
Building Confidence and Leadership Among Rural Women
Reena Chauhan stated that the REAP project has provided rural women not only with livelihood opportunities but also with confidence, leadership skills, and social recognition. Today, women are independently managing the entire value chain—from production and processing to marketing and financial management.
A Strong Step Towards an Atmanirbhar Village
District Project Manager, REAP, Sonam Gupta, described the mustard oil unit as an outstanding example of rural entrepreneurship and women-led economic development. She noted that products manufactured by the federation are receiving an encouraging response from local markets, House of Himalayas, government outlets, and online platforms.
She emphasized that the initiative reflects the vision of Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami for an Atmanirbhar Uttarakhand and women’s empowerment. The women of Haripur have demonstrated that when rural women are provided with opportunities, resources, and institutional support, they can transform not only their own lives but also become catalysts for community-wide development.
