Seven women agri-entrepreneurs from Chamba, Shimla, Solan, and Lahaul & Spiti were honoured with the Innovative Women Entrepreneur Awards during the Foundation Day celebration of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research’s Agricultural Technology Application Research Institute (ATARI) Zone-1, held in Ludhiana on January 11.
The honourees were supported by the Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) of Chamba, Shimla, Solan, and Lahaul & Spiti II, managed by Dr YS Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni. The awardees included Anjali Kumari, Reetu Devi, and Babli Kumari from Chamba; Pinki Devi and Aarti Shandil from Solan; Cheering Butith from Sumling in Lahaul & Spiti; and Divya Sharma from Shimla.
Meanwhile, Usha Sharma of KVK Shimla received the Performance Excellence Award for her leadership and dedication to natural farming, particularly in developing scientific models for apple cultivation. Usha Sharma, a senior scientist, has worked extensively in fruit diversification in the state.
“These women have demonstrated exceptional dedication and innovation in their fields, representing the entrepreneurial spirit of their local communities. Their contributions across various sectors, such as natural products, food processing, and handicrafts, not only drive economic growth in the region but also empower them socially and financially,” said Vice Chancellor Rajeshwar Singh Chandel.
Dr YS Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, operates five Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) in the state, located in Chamba, Shimla, Solan, Lahaul & Spiti, and Kinnaur.
Take a look at the awardee women agri-entrepreneurs
Cheering Butith, Sumling, Lahaul & Spiti
Cheering Butith was recognised for her exceptional work in the seabuckthorn industry. Supported by KVK Lahaul & Spiti II, she is a member of the Spiti Seabuckthorn Society in Kaza, which promotes seabuckthorn processing. The society, comprising 75 farmers, produces seabuckthorn-based products such as powder, juice, tea, berries, and jam. Cheering was honoured for her leadership in advancing seabuckthorn farming in her community.
Aarti Shandil, Kawarag, Solan
Trained in mushroom cultivation under the ARYA project by KVK Solan, Aarti Shandil grows button mushrooms and has recently established a small industry under the National Rural Livelihood Mission to produce biodegradable plates from ‘taur’ leaves. She employs 7–8 women and sells her products online.
Pinki Devi, Koti Deora, Solan
Pinki Devi has been practising natural farming for four years. She works with livestock and millet cultivation, operates a Natural Produce Centre, and produces millet-based food products.
Anjali Kumari, Udhapur, Chamba
Anjali Kumari has successfully branded, packaged, and marketed a range of products under the Pangi Hills FPO. Her portfolio includes natural forest products, herbs, superfoods, body care items, agricultural goods, woollen and cotton clothing, and art and craft products.
Reetu Devi, Bhandarka, Chamba
Reetu Devi specialises in food processing and marketing through the Astha Self-Help Group. Her flagship products include Chamba Green Chukh, Chamba Red Chukh, and a variety of homemade pickles.
Babli Kumari, Chamba
Through her Chamunda Self-Help Group, Babli Kumari produces and markets high-quality jute-based products.
Divya Sharma, Jagothi, Shimla
Divya Sharma was recognised for her work in processing fruits and forest produce and for training women in food processing. Supported by KVK Shimla, she has developed innovative food products.
Pinky Devi and Anjali. (Express Photo) 
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