The popular rural Bhimthadi Jatra (exhibition), organised by Agriculture Development Trust (ADT) from Baramati, near Pune and founded by agriculture minister Sharad Pawar, has become a channel to churn out women entrepreneurs.

Ambika Mahila Bachat Ghatt, a self-help group (SHG) from Daund taluka, which sold various masala packets prepared by rural women and sold at Bhimthada Jatra last year makes a cool income of Rs 2.5 lakh a month.

“The Amibka group sells masalas worth Rs 2.5 lakh every month to Big Bazaar chain and their customers are increasing,” Sunanda Pawar, brain behind Bhimthadi Jatra and ADT trustee told FC.

Similarly, Mahalaxmi Mahila group from Kolhapur opened a hotel in that city after their non-vegetarian food served at Bhimthadi Jatra became a crowd puller. “The group has become self reliant and have turned entrepreneurs, earning handsome income of Rs 2,000 — Rs 3,000 daily,” Saee Pawar, chief coordinator of Bhimthadi Jatra said.

Another group, Dhyana Prabhodhini in Velha taluka sell the hand pounded rice by women and earn about Rs 2.5 lakh to Rs 3 lakh per annum, she added.

“About 125 women self help groups out of 600 SHGs with a total membership of 6,000 women in Maharashtra have become successful entrepreneurs,” Sachin Khalate, SHG co-coordinator of ADT, said.

“We have been training enterprising rural women to be self reliant and earn good income for themselves but the biggest hurdle has been marketing their goods and services,” Sunanda Pawar said.

“This year the Jatra will be held on October 21-24, and we are targeting to cross Rs 5 crore income for the women entrepreneurs,” Saee Pawar said.

She said considering the popularity of the Bhimthadi Food Fest, this year a special food court with a 1,500 seat capacity would be erected.

Pawar said ADT was scouting for land in Pune city to open a marketing avenue for rural women artisans to showcase their products throughout the year. “It will not be a grocery shop but a life style outlet which will be launched next year,” she added.

At present, ADT educates over 7,000 girls from villages from KG to PG at Baramati, the home turf of Sharad Pawar clan. While 2000 girls stay in the hostels, 100 girls from poor background are provided free education and lodging and boarding. Over 200 girls after getting admission to police academy at Lonavala, have joined the state police department.