Baripada: A group of women here in Mayurbhanj district has embarked on a journey towards financial independence by producing pure edible oil from locally sourced seeds. Their initiative has not only strengthened their livelihoods but also created a market for agricultural produce grown by local farmers.
The Maa Tarini Self Help Group (SHG) was formed in 2015 in Ward No. 13 at Station Bazaar in Baripada. Initially, its members operated small businesses individually with financial assistance from bank loans. Determined to explore new opportunities, the women decided to venture into oil production.
After receiving training from the District Industries Centre in 2025, they secured a bank loan and installed an oil extraction machine. They subsequently launched their enterprise under the brand name “Baba Biswakarma Oil.”
The unit produces edible oil from mustard, groundnuts, coconuts, sesame and sunflower seeds. According to the group members, each batch requires 20 to 25 kg of raw materials and yields approximately 5 to 6 litres of oil.
The extraction process takes about an hour. The group currently produces 25 to 30 litres of oil daily, providing its members with a steady source of income. A distinctive feature of the enterprise is that customers can bring their own oilseeds and have oil extracted in their presence, ensuring transparency and building confidence in the product’s purity.
Besides promoting chemical-free oil extraction, the initiative has opened up new marketing opportunities for local farmers and emerged as an example of women’s entrepreneurship and economic empowerment.
The group’s journey from small-scale businesses to running an oil extraction unit has become an inspiration for other women seeking financial independence through self-employment. The transparent production process has helped build consumer confidence in the quality of the oil.
The products are sold through the group’s own sales outlet and several retail shops. Although the oil is more expensive than conventional products available in the market, demand is growing among consumers who prioritise purity and quality.
The group also generates additional income by selling oilseed cake, a by-product, rather than allowing it to go to waste.
Members have sought to turn every stage of production into a source of revenue. The enterprise also benefits local farmers from whom raw materials are procured.
Besides creating employment opportunities for women, the initiative provides farmers with a reliable market for their produce. Group president Sanjulata Sahu said their primary objective was to supply pure edible oil to households while helping women achieve financial independence.
Group members Gouri Ghosh and Pratima Behera said government procurement of their products for use at Aahaar centres, hospitals and other government-run kitchens could significantly expand their business.
They said such support would enable the group to increase production, boost members’ earnings and create more employment opportunities for women. The members also emphasised the need for institutional support to sustain and expand their enterprise.
ORMAS CEO Bhagyalaxmi Rout said the Maa Tarini SHG was performing well under government-sponsored schemes. She said assistance would be provided according to the group’s requirements, while efforts would be made to expand market access and increase sales of its products.