Sishabari Mahila Udyog FIG Launches Products on World Tourism Day, September 2022
In September 2022, on the vibrant occasion of World Tourism Day at City Centre, Siliguri, Sishabari Mahila Udyog FIG proudly unveiled their first range of jams, jellies, and sauces. This launch was the result of a dedicated capacity-building program powered by the Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI) and guided by Himalayan Organic Life. Fourteen women from the group participated in the training sessions, and seven of them were present during the launch to present their products to visitors, dignitaries, and potential buyers.
The training went beyond simple recipe-making. Participants learned ingredient selection, hygienic processing, and preservation techniques, along with packaging design, labeling, and presentation. Branding, pricing strategies, and customer engagement were also covered to help them position their products competitively.
The initiative’s success was fueled by the leadership of Anamika Bhujel (President) and Susmita Saiba (Secretary). Anamika shared, “We wanted every woman in our group to believe that her skills have value in the marketplace. This training gave us the tools and the confidence to turn that belief into reality.”
Susmita echoed this sentiment, saying, “Seeing our products displayed in a public event for the first time was emotional. It was proof that with the right guidance, even women from small villages can create something that stands proudly in front of the world.”
The impact has been transformative—economically, by creating new income opportunities, and socially, by building confidence and teamwork. The launch at a prominent tourism event gave the group visibility, potential retail connections, and inspiration to expand.
From a modest rural initiative to a professional product launch, Sishabari Mahila Udyog FIG’s journey shows how skill training, leadership, and determination can empower women and strengthen the local economy.