Press Release

Lucknow, December 20, 2024: Dalmia Bharat Foundation (DBF)is proud to announce that Sarayan Farmer Producer Company Ltd. (SFPCL), promoted and facilitated by DBF, has been honoured with the prestigious "RevolutioNari Award 2024" for Economic Empowerment through FPOs. The award recognizes the Foundation’s outstanding work in empowering rural women by promoting moonj grass-based artisanal crafts in Ramgarh and nearby villages in Uttar Pradesh. The award ceremony, held in New Delhi, was graced by the Hon'ble Chief Guests Dr. Raj Bhushan Choudhary, Minister of State for Jal Shakti, Government of India, and Smt. Smriti Irani, Former Minister of Women and Child Development. Organized by NITI Aayog, the event celebrated the remarkable contributions of women in agriculture.

Commenting on the initiative, Mr. Ashok Gupta, CEO, Dalmia Bharat Foundation said, "We are thrilled to see the Sarayan Farmer Producer Company recognized for its efforts in empowering rural women. By nurturing traditional crafts like moonj weaving, we aim to create sustainable livelihoods, preserve cultural heritage, and drive meaningful change. At Dalmia Bharat, we remain committed to uplifting communities by providing opportunities that inspire growth, build resilience, and promote inclusive development."

The Sarayan Collection is an initiative that revives the traditional craft of Moonj products, made from a local wild grass (moonj) found along riverbanks during monsoon. It supports 250 women beneficiaries by offering them financial independence and sustainable livelihoods while preserving their cultural heritage. This eco-friendly craft involves harvesting, drying, dyeing, and weaving the grass into durable and aesthetic household items like baskets, containers, decorative items, and toys. The success of this initiative has also been further strengthened by the support and guidance of the National Rural Livelihoods Mission (NRLM) program.

DBF remains committed to promoting inclusive development, ensuring that women in rural India have access to opportunities that encourage financial independence and empowerment. 

About Dalmia Bharat Foundation 

Dalmia Bharat Foundation focuses on building Sustainable Livelihoods and ensure Rural Development in its programme areas. These programmes combine in-depth, long-term plans and strategies along with medium- and short-term initiatives and campaigns. Owing to the great differences across locations, DBF has adopted a flexible, multi-intervention approach that allows programmes and people to grow together and sustain each other. The two focus areas have been derived from the felt needs of the community and issues material to the business. Visit us at http://www.dalmiafoundation.org. 

Media Contact: corpcomm@dalmiabharat.com