HDFC Bank Parivartan launches Small Millets and Oil extraction Unit in Tamil Nadu

HDFC Bank, India’s leading private sector bank, through its flagship CSR program #Parivartan set up a small millet and oil extraction unit in Ponnamaravathi block of Tamil Nadu. The initiative has been undertaken in partnership with DHAN Foundation and Farmer Producer Organisation (FPO) to ensure livelihood enhancement of nearly 2,000 farmers with value addition through millet processing, groundnut oil extraction, branding and marketing. The opening ceremony was graced by Chief Guest Ms. IS Mercy Ramya, IAS, District Collector, Pudukottai on February 24th at Ponnamaravathi Village, Pudukottai, Tamil Nadu. Mr. M.Periyasamy , Joint Director of Agriculture, Pudukkottai, Ms. M. Sankaralakshmi, Deputy Director (Agri Business), Pudukkottai, and Mr. Deepak  Kumar, District Development Manager, NABARD were also present at the event.

 The new oil extraction unit will help the farmers in two significant ways - firstly by enhancing the income of local farmers through value addition and improved marketing, and secondly by prioritizing the health of the farmers by providing them access to high quality, locally processed cooking oils. The unique proposition of the initiative is that it not only promotes local economic growth but also ensures the well-being of the community through production and consumption of healthier food alternatives.   The processing center will help facilitate forward linkages, empower local farmers, and improve the well-being of the community by promoting sustainable and equitable agricultural practices. A turnover of Rs 10 crore with profit of Rs 1 crore will be generated with this unit. The aim is to increase the profit after 2 years with collective marketing thereby reducing the cost of inputs.

Speaking on the development, Ms Nusrat Pathan, Head-CSR, HDFC Bank said, “We are proud to support this initiative which not only supports the economic well-being of individual farmers but also ensures a broader positive impact on the community, promoting sustainable agriculture. The initiative aligns with our commitment to financial inclusion and creating a positive impact on the society.”