THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK
Ranchi, March 30: In a major boost to rural entrepreneurship, products under the Palash brand—made by women’s self-help groups (SHGs) in Jharkhand villages—have now entered malls and supermarkets in urban areas.
Backed by assured purity and nutritional value, these products are no longer limited to Palash Marts and are now available in leading retail outlets. The initiative has been launched as a pilot project in Ranchi by the Jharkhand State Livelihoods Promotion Society (JSLPS) under the guidance of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Minister Deepika Pandey Singh.
Village-made ‘Didis’ products enter city retail space
The Palash brand has made a strong debut in Ranchi’s Sail City area, with 15 products already placed in malls and supermarkets. These products are quickly gaining popularity among customers.
More than 2.06 lakh women across Jharkhand are currently associated with the Palash brand, aimed at promoting economic self-reliance and social empowerment.
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15 products launched, focus on purity and nutrition
In the first phase, 15 Palash brand products have been introduced. These include ragi flour, multigrain flour, wheat flour, ragi cookies, maize nimki, ragi laddoos, bajra flour, jamun seed powder, forest honey, sesame laddoos, and pickles such as sandhana, jackfruit, elephant foot yam (ol), garlic, and green chilli.
These products retain traditional flavours and are free from adulteration, making them a preferred choice for consumers seeking healthy and authentic food options.
Strong supply chain, expansion plans underway
To support expansion, JSLPS has developed a robust supply chain system. Products are first collected at Palash Marts and then distributed to malls and supermarkets. Formal agreements (MoUs) have been signed to ensure smooth supply and timely payments.
Production is being carried out across key districts, including Ranchi, Godda, Khunti, Gumla, Simdega, Chaibasa, Jamshedpur, Giridih, and Bokaro, with emphasis on quality packaging and use of local resources.
JSLPS is also planning partnerships with major retail chains such as Apna Mart and has already signed an MoU with Urvi Stores to expand market reach.
Calling Palash the “taste of Jharkhand,” Minister Deepika Pandey Singh said the initiative reflects the strength of rural women and is helping build both livelihood opportunities and a strong identity for women entrepreneurs.
