5oo farmers have formed a maize growers federation and 200 SHG women have formed a maize food processors association at MALAVALLI , mandya district, Karnataka India . They could achieve this through support from ICAR project under " NAIP- National Agriculture Innovation project supported by a Consortia of University of Agricultural sciences ,Bangalore , AWAKE (association of women entrepreneurs of Karnataka) Bangalore, National institute of Nutrition, Hyderabad , National institute of animal nutrition and Physiology, Bangalore and Karnataka milk federation. The women empowerment and entrepreneurship training program under the " Value Chain for Commercialization of maize " was conducted by AWAKE . They were also supported with computer literacy and trained in marketing . With support Of UAS, Mandya a common facility centre for manufacturing Maize value added products was established which is being used by the SHG women groups for manufacturing MAIZY brand- Flour, Rava, Vermicelli , Noodles and papad all made out of quality protein maize . AWAKE is promoting the MAIZY branded products through market linkages , Trade fairs and helping women establish a sustainable market avenue. Farmers and women groups are motivated enough to sustain this business , manage it as group enterprise and are looking forward to large business tie-ups for both bulk processing as well as promoting MAIZY brand through professional Market networks . One of the women SHG group was felicitated as WOMEN ACHIEVERS 2012 from MANDYA district by Federation of Karnataka Chambers of Cmmerce and Industries on International women's day for their achievements. Projects like this are sure going to help farmers and rural women a great deal for sustainability.
