12400 Lives Touched, 37 Tonnes of CO2 Saved: How Women Are Powering India’s Green Economy
This article is sponsored by Development Alternatives. Meenu Devi, a 36-year-old entrepreneur from Sikhar, Mirzapur, Uttar Pradesh, transitioned from a diesel-powered flour mill to a solar-powered one through Development Alternatives’
Meenu Devi, a 36-year-old entrepreneur from Sikhar, Mirzapur, Uttar Pradesh, transitioned from a diesel-powered flour mill to a solar-powered one through Development Alternatives’ Urja Mandala Initiative.
Originally from Lucknow, Meenu’s family relocated to rural Mirzapur, where they faced challenges such as limited resources, financial instability, and inadequate infrastructure.
The shift to a solar-powered flour mill drastically reduced her operational costs by 70 percent, increased her income by 30 percent, and eliminated diesel emissions, enhancing both business efficiency and environmental sustainability.
Meenu plans to further expand her business by setting up a solar-powered stitching unit, aiming to create more jobs and empower local women with advanced skills. Her journey showcases the potential of women-led green enterprises in promoting economic growth and climate solutions.
Madhuri from Gumla, Jharkhand, observed how frequent power outages hindered daily life and local businesses in her community. For many businesses, diesel-powered generators had become an expensive necessity.
Source: thebetterindia.com
