Key Update

Kudumbashree (a women-led community network) in Kerala plans to launch a new range of high-protein and sugar-free food products to promote healthy eating habits and boost value-added food production by its micro-enterprises. The organisation will introduce these products through ‘K-INAM’, a premium agri-food brand and a component of the Kudumbashree Technology Advancement Programme (K-TAP), which links agricultural livelihoods with modern technology.

Training in New Technologies

Under the initiative, Kudumbashree has completed training in 30 new technologies. Earlier this year, it launched products developed using 30 technologies from a pool of 180 technologies acquired under the K-TAP programme last year. The programme aims to address several challenges faced by Kudumbashree micro-enterprises, including traditional food processing methods, low product value in the market, and limited access to food safety standards and certifications.

Health-Focused Food Products

Kudumbashree plans to introduce a wide range of health-focused food products, particularly for people with diabetes and those looking for nutritious alternatives. The new range will include diabetic-friendly cake mixes, low-glycaemic index foods, high-protein snacks, and sugar-free food items. Under the agricultural value-added category, the organisation will also produce products made from honey, coconut, moringa, millets, and various tubers.

More Products in the Pipeline

Kudumbashree also plans to launch multi-grain roti, fruit juices, instant food mixes, soaps, and incense sticks as part of the initiative. In the first phase, the organisation introduced diabetic mixes, beverages, coffee cubes, virgin coconut oil, nutribars, baby powder, and food products made from tapioca and bananas.

Training and Production Plans

Each technology under the programme requires specialised training, and the programme trains at least two participants for every technology. So far, 120 participants have completed the training, and Kudumbashree expects to begin production of the new products soon.

Source: Mathrubhumi