Rural Women in Hubballi Thrive with Millets in Scorching Summer

While most people in Hubballi are reeling under soaring temperatures, rural women are turning the scorching sun into a golden opportunity. The intense summer heat has spiked demand for refreshing drinks, snacks, and millet-based products, fueling a surge in small businesses run by women in villages around the city. From roadside stalls offering buttermilk, sugarcane juice, and tender coconut water to homemade treats like spicy puffed rice, roasted nuts, and millet-based snacks such as ragi laddoos and jowar biscuits, these entrepreneurs are thriving.

Many women, particularly from self-help groups, have set up temporary stalls to cater to travelers and locals seeking relief from the heat. “The summer is tough, but it’s when we earn the most,” said Savita, a vendor from a nearby village, who sells fresh fruit juices and millet porridge. Incorporating millets like ragi, jowar, and bajra into their offerings not only meets the demand for healthy, affordable snacks but also promotes local, nutritious grains. These ventures provide vital income, empowering women to support their families and achieve financial independence.

Local authorities have commended the initiative, highlighting how these seasonal businesses showcase the resilience and entrepreneurial spirit of rural women. As the heatwave persists, these small-scale enterprises, enriched with millet-based products, prove that determination, a cool drink, and a nutritious snack can go a long way.

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