Mandya: Two women-led industrial units in Pandavapura town, Mandya district, have emerged as a model for sustainable rural entrepreneurship after becoming fully solar-powered, significantly reducing operating costs and improving productivity.The initiative, facilitated by Melukote MLA Darshan Puttannaiah of Sarvodaya Karnataka Party in association with the Selco foundation, has enabled Sharada Garments and Siri Sinchu Organic Jaggery factory to operate entirely on solar energy, allowing them to disconnect from conventional electricity grid.Sharada Garments, located at Chikkade near Pandavapura, was established to provide employment for rural women. However, rising electricity bills and diesel costs, affected the unit’s profitability. Recognising the issue, Selco foundation installed rooftop solar system, bringing the unit’s electricity expenses down to zero.The factory, which is functioning from an old house with a low roof, suffered from excessive indoor heat that affected workers’ comfort and productivity. As part of the project, the roof height was increased, making the workplace cooler and more conducive for production, said HN Ranajith, CEO of the Puttannaiah foundation, which served as the ground implementation partner for the two projects.The impact has been visible beyond energy savings. The garment unit, which initially employed 25 to 30 women, has now expanded its workforce to 55, creating additional livelihood opportunities for women in the region.The second beneficiary, Siri Sinchu Organic Jaggery factory, is run by Sowmya, who is looking after the family’s livelihood as her husband is physically challenged . “Currently, we produce 40 to 60kg organic jaggery every day, and earn around Rs 10 as profit per kg. If the furnace capacity is increased, we can raise production to nearly 100 kg a day,” she said. Factory currently markets its organic jaggery locally and hopes to expand its reach in the coming years.According to MLA Darshan, solar energy adoption ensures sustainable developmental goals besides bringing down the energy expenses of rural industrial units, which is key for their profitability and growth.
