In Raebareli, a Self-Help Group Kitchen Scales Up Into Packaged Pickles and Spices
In Raebareli, Pragya Singh transformed a small SHG pickle effort into Aryabhi Enterprises, producing pickles and spices while creating opportunities for rural women.
In Gram Panchayat Tanda of Harchandpur block in Uttar Pradesh’s Raebareli district, Pragya Singh has quietly built a rural enterprise that blends tradition with entrepreneurship. What began three years ago as a small-scale pickle-making effort with a handful of women has today evolved into Aryabhi Enterprises — a growing local venture producing pickles and freshly ground spices.
Singh did not begin her journey as a business owner. Earlier, she worked as a teacher and later as an area sales manager, earning a stable monthly income. Yet, the realities of rising household expenses and family responsibilities led her to rethink her future.
“When the cost of living increased, and family needs grew, I realised I needed to contribute more meaningfully,” she recalls.
Leaving behind a steady job was not easy. With two children to support and limited financial backup, the decision carried risk. However, Singh was already associated with a self-help group (SHG), where she began working alongside local women to produce homemade pickles on a small scale. As demand steadily increased, the group found itself unable to meet supply requirements.
Scaling a traditional business
The turning point came when Singh learned about the Mukhyamantri Yuva Udyami Vikas Abhiyan (CM YUVA) Yojana through the District Industries Centre (DIC) and local outreach efforts. Recognising the need for formal training, she first completed certification through the Baroda Swarojgar Vikas Sansthan — a prerequisite for applying under the scheme.
With institutional support, Singh secured a Rs 5 lakh loan, contributing Rs 70,000 from her own resources. The interest-free nature of the scheme provided her crucial breathing room to stabilise operations without the pressure of immediate repayments.
“The six-month EMI-free period helped us focus on building the business rather than worrying about repayment from day one,” she explains.
The funding enabled her to expand production and invest in better raw materials. Importantly, it also inspired other women in the community to join hands, turning the enterprise into a collective effort.
From pickles to spices
As the business matured, Singh identified another opportunity. The spices used in pickle production were being sourced from external markets, limiting quality control and adding costs.
To address this, she decided to establish a spice processing unit. By cleaning, grinding, and packaging whole spices, Aryabhi Enterprises could now ensure purity while creating an additional revenue stream.
Today, the enterprise operates under two identities — Aryabhi Enterprises for spices and “Shakti Mata” for pickle supply. The venture also produces seasonal products such as papad and chips based on market demand.
Community and confidence
Recognition soon followed. Singh was honoured as a “Best Pickle Maker” at an industry event in Lucknow organised by Dainik Jagran, along with a cash award of Rs 10,000.
More importantly, the business has become a source of employment and confidence for rural women.
“Our aim was not only to become self-reliant but also to help other women achieve financial independence,” she says.
From leaving a salaried role to building a rural enterprise powered by collaboration, Singh’s journey reflects the growing role of grassroots entrepreneurship in strengthening local economies — one batch of pickles and spices at a time.
What is CM YUVA Scheme?
Under the leadership of Hon’ble Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Yogi Adityanath Ji, the state government aims to transform youth from job seekers into job creators.
To achieve this vision, the Directorate of Industries and Enterprise Promotion, under the Department of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises and Export Promotion, is implementing the ‘Mukhyamantri Yuva Udyami Vikas Abhiyan’ (CM YUVA) Yojana.
Under this scheme, young entrepreneurs are provided with up to Rs 5 lakh in 100% interest-free and collateral-free loans to start their industrial or service-based ventures. In addition, beneficiaries also receive a 10% margin money subsidy on the project cost.
CM YUVA is not just a financial assistance scheme; it also provides mentorship, guidance, market access, and essential resources to help youth become self-reliant entrepreneurs and generate employment opportunities for others.
Click here to know more about the CM YUVA Scheme.