Empowering Women Through Snack Production: The Success of Lijjat Papad

From its humble beginnings in 1959, the cooperative Shri Mahila Griha Udyog Lijjat Papad has grown to involve over 45,000 women, fostering economic empowerment and dignity. By producing popular food items like poppadoms, the cooperative not only supports the families of its members but also embodies a model of cooperative governance and social progress for women in India.

On a chilly December morning, a vibrant gathering of women clad in colorful saris and shawls assembled outside a three-story building in Delhi, representing one of India's pioneering women-led cooperatives. The Shri Mahila Griha Udyog Lijjat Papad, established in 1959 by seven housewives in Mumbai, has evolved into a significant social enterprise with over 45,000 members nationwide, boasting an impressive annual revenue of 16 billion rupees (approximately $186 million).

This cooperative specializes in the production of various goods, including spices, detergents, and the iconic poppadoms that have become synonymous with its brand. Lakshmi, 70, who has managed the Delhi branch for years, reflects on the significance of the cooperative, stating, "Lijjat is a temple for us. It helps us earn money and feed our families." After becoming a widow, Lakshmi joined Lijjat and credits the cooperative with transforming her life, enabling her to support herself and her family.

Daily, members travel to the cooperative's centers to collect pre-mixed dough made from lentils and spices, which they take home to create poppadoms—one of the most cherished products in Indian cuisine. Over time, Lakshmi improved her production efficiency, cutting down the time to make 1 kilogram of papad from four to five hours to just thirty minutes.

The cooperative has navigated 65 years of changes since its inception at a time when women faced significant barriers in a patriarchal Indian society. Driven by the need for economic stability, the founding members sought assistance to source ingredients. Their resilience paid off, and soon, local shopkeepers began stocking their poppadoms, leading to the establishment of a successful and sustainable business model.

Unlike traditional enterprises, Lijjat functions as a cooperative where every member has an equal stake, contributing to collective decision-making and profit-sharing. Swati Paradkar, the current president, emphasizes the cooperative's ethos, stating, "We are all co-owners and have equal rights," highlighting the collaborative spirit that underpins their success.

In 1966, the cooperative embraced branding at the recommendation of the Khadi Development and Village Industries Commission. They settled on the name "Lijjat," meaning "taste" in Gujarati, marking a significant turning point in their marketing and outreach efforts.

Decades of dedication have allowed generations of women involved with Lijjat to achieve financial independence and improve their living standards. For Lakshmi, this cooperative provided more than just work; it offered a means to educate her children and build a better future, saying, "Working here, I have found not just an income but respect." Through Lijjat Papad, these women continue to inspire change and empowerment in their communities, showcasing the powerful impact of grassroots initiatives.