Nature’s Gift, Women’s Power: The Tribal Cooperative Turning Ipappuvvu Laddus Into Big Business

The Bheem Bhai Tribal Women’s Cooperative Society has emerged as a shining example of women-led entrepreneurship and tribal empowerment. Situated in Utnoor, it produces Ipappuvvu laddus using the seasonal Mahua flower blended with locally sourced ingredients like peanuts, sesame seeds, jaggery, cashews, raisins, and sunflower oil, following guidelines from the National Institute of Nutrition.

The cooperative invested Rs 40 lakh in a dedicated production unit, supported by subsidies and bank loans, with 12 tribal women trained in specialized laddu-making in Maharashtra. Every year, about 150 quintals of Ipappuvvu flowers are collected from tribal households across undivided Adilabad, benefitting around 100 families.

Under the Girijana Poshan Mitra scheme, 2,300 kg of laddus are supplied monthly to 77 tribal residential schools at Rs 320 per kg, with an additional 900 kg sold in the open market at Rs 360 per kg. The tribal women manage sales outlets in Hyderabad, further empowering local communities through enterprise.

The cooperative’s success has been recognized by Telangana’s Minister for Women and Child Welfare and Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his Mann Ki Baat address as a model of tribal women’s economic transformation.

Key Highlights

Annual turnover of Rs 1.27 crore supporting nearly 100 tribal families.​

Dedicated production unit in Utnoor with Rs 40 lakh investment and skill training for women.​

Laddus supplied to 77 tribal schools under government nutrition scheme; sales in Hyderabad markets.​

Product blends Ipappuvvu flower and nutritious local ingredients for health benefits.​

Recognized by state minister and Prime Minister as a successful women-led tribal enterprise.​

Sources: Deccan Chronicle, Metro India, UNI India