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Inspiring Journey of Jolada Rotti and Its Cooperative

How Women Empowerment is Driving Demand for Traditional Foods

Inspiring Journey of Jolada Rotti and Its Cooperative

  • 10 Jul, 2025
  • 447

What is Jolada Rotti and Its Significance?

Jolada Rotti is a traditional flatbread made from jowar (sorghum) flour, widely appreciated in Karnataka. Recently, it has gained significant attention due to the Kalaburagi Rotti Utpadakara Sangha, a women-led cooperative that has witnessed a remarkable rise in demand following its mention in the Prime Minister’s Mann Ki Baat.

Origins of the Grassroots Movement

The initiative began as a livelihood program aimed at empowering local women in Kalaburagi. Homemakers like Sharanamma formed a cooperative after discovering opportunities for subsidies and loans for rotti-making machines. This initiative has enabled many women to secure a stable income and improve their quality of life.

Growth of the Cooperative

Initially established in 2024 with just 100 women, the Kalaburagi Rotti Utpadakara Sangha has dramatically expanded to nearly 1,000 members. Within just 15 months, the cooperative has generated approximately ₹50 lakh in revenue and now operates franchise outlets in major cities like Bengaluru and Kalaburagi.

The Impact of Digital Platforms and Media Recognition

The mention of this initiative in the Prime Minister's Mann Ki Baat resulted in a significant surge in online orders from across India. Currently, the cooperative receives about 3,000 daily orders through popular food delivery apps like Swiggy and Zomato, indicating a strong market interest.

Income Sources for Women in the Cooperative

Participating women earn around ₹200 daily by making rottis at home, utilizing maize sourced from local suppliers. Several villages in and around Kalaburagi are engaged in this initiative, contributing to the local economy.

Plans for Expansion and Export

Looking ahead, the cooperative plans to expand its franchise outlets to cities like Hyderabad and Pune. Additionally, there are ongoing efforts to initiate exports to international markets, including the US, UK, and West Asia, with necessary licensing processes underway.

Diversification into Other Food Products

Alongside Jolada Rottis, the cooperative is venturing into producing other regional food items such as sunflower seed chutney and groundnut chutney powder. This diversification aims to establish a comprehensive portfolio of traditional foods.

Support Needed for Future Growth

To sustain and amplify its success, the initiative requires targeted financial backing and branding support. The local administration is actively seeking funding to promote Kalaburagi Rotti as a recognized brand, further enhancing its market presence.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. What is Jolada Rotti made from?
Answer: Jolada Rotti is made from jowar (sorghum) flour, making it a nutritious option popular in Karnataka.

Q2. How has the cooperative impacted local women?
Answer: The cooperative has provided local women with stable incomes and empowerment opportunities, significantly improving their livelihoods.

Q3. What role did the Prime Minister's speech play?
Answer: The PM's mention of the cooperative in Mann Ki Baat increased demand, leading to a surge in online orders across India.

Q4. Are there plans to export Jolada Rotti?
Answer: Yes, the cooperative is planning to export Jolada Rotti to countries like the US, UK, and West Asia.

Q5. What other products is the cooperative developing?
Answer: In addition to Jolada Rotti, they are producing sunflower seed chutney and groundnut chutney powder.

UPSC Practice MCQs

Question 1: What is the primary ingredient of Jolada Rotti?
A) Wheat flour
B) Jowar flour
C) Rice flour
D) Barley flour
Correct Answer: B

Question 2: In which year was the Kalaburagi Rotti Utpadakara Sangha established?
A) 2022
B) 2023
C) 2024
D) 2021
Correct Answer: C

Question 3: How many daily orders does the cooperative receive currently?
A) 1,000
B) 2,000
C) 3,000
D) 4,000
Correct Answer: C

Question 4: Where are the franchise outlets of the cooperative located?
A) Mumbai and Pune
B) Bengaluru and Kalaburagi
C) Delhi and Hyderabad
D) Chennai and Kolkata
Correct Answer: B

Question 5: What is one of the new products being developed by the cooperative?
A) Tomato ketchup
B) Groundnut chutney powder
C) Potato chips
D) Rice cakes
Correct Answer: B

Question 6: What financial support does the cooperative need for future growth?
A) Marketing only
B) Financial and branding support
C) No support needed
D) Infrastructure support only
Correct Answer: B

Question 7: What is the average daily income of women making rottis?
A) ₹100
B) ₹150
C) ₹200
D) ₹250
Correct Answer: C

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