Mathura Women Transform Lives Running Mustard Oil Unit

Five women in Mathura's Hussaini village have transformed their lives and community by taking full charge of a mustard oil unit, defying initial skepticism and traditional expectations. This enterprise, established in 2023 with a total investment of Rs 14 lakh, demonstrates a significant step towards economic empowerment for rural women. The S M Sehgal Foundation, in partnership with HDFC Bank Parivartan, provided Rs 8 lakh, with the community mobilising the remaining Rs 6 lakh.

For 26-year-old Anchal, joining the Hussaini Mustard Oil Enterprise in November 2023 marked a profound shift from a life confined to household chores. Her family initially resisted her working outside, but Anchal, a Bachelor of Arts graduate, was determined to pursue opportunities beyond her home, especially to support her three children, two of whom have disabilities requiring regular treatment. She now earns Rs 5,000-6,000 monthly, contributing directly to her children's care and household expenses, and has gained confidence in speaking with outsiders.

Preeti, 32, also a Bachelor of Arts graduate who previously taught children, sought work after marriage. Moving to Hussaini from Haryana, she joined the enterprise through the Shri Ji self-help group. Like Anchal, Preeti faced family concerns about women working externally. She convinced her husband to witness the work firsthand, securing his support, and even helped arrange the electrical connection for the unit.

The project faced resistance from village elders who believed men should run the enterprise. Chhaya Singh, 36, a field specialist at S M Sehgal Foundation, recalled their determination to prove the elders wrong, emphasizing the goal for women to not just participate but to fully run the business. The women, initially unfamiliar with the expeller machine, received comprehensive training in financial literacy, stock management, and technical skills over five to six months.

Today, the Shri Ji self-help group collectively manages the unit. Kavita serves as president, overseeing coordination and accounts. Preeti, as treasurer, manages finances, while Anchal, the secretary, handles operations, stock, and visitor interactions. Bati is responsible for cleaning mustard seeds and oil extraction, and Ritu manages filtration, filling, sealing, labelling, and packaging. Eight women initially received technical training from an expert, with five now running the entire unit, capable of resolving voltage issues and tracking prices.

The enterprise has achieved significant commercial success, with cumulative sales exceeding Rs 24 lakh since commercial operations began in November 2023. Between January and August 2026 alone, they sold 2,995.5 litres of mustard oil and 3,841.5 kg of oil cake, generating Rs 6,53,980 in sales. Their market reach has expanded beyond Hussaini to Kosi Kalan, Mathura, Aligarh, and Bulandshahr in Uttar Pradesh, as well as Gurugram, Faridabad, Palwal, and Hodal in Haryana, and parts of Rajasthan. Five percent of earnings are allocated for maintenance, with the remainder equally divided among the members, who also have access to a group lending system at one percent interest.

The women's newfound economic independence has ripple effects. Preeti now travels for meetings in Uttarakhand, Mathura, and Chhata, contributing to her children's school fees and household expenses. Her mother-in-law, initially hesitant, now relies on Preeti's earnings. Anchal no longer depends solely on her husband for children's medicines, stating her biggest wish is for her children to get better. Both women envision a future where their enterprise grows stronger, providing more opportunities for themselves and others.

Why it matters: This initiative exemplifies how targeted support and women's determination can drive significant economic and social change in rural communities.

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