Anita Rai

In the heart of Kushinagar, a quiet revolution is underway. What was once discarded—banana trees stripped of their fruit—has now become a treasure, turning waste into wealth for farmers. With the birth of a new industry in this region, banana fiber products are not just enriching homes but breathing life into a local economy eager for change. Behind this wave of transformation stands Anita Rai, a woman whose spirit reflects the dawn of a new era. From Banaraha Mod Sewarhi, 40 kilometers from the district headquarters, Anita crafts over 150 unique products from banana trees, fruit, and flowers. Her banana juice, in particular, is a boon for patients suffering from kidney stones, making her an essential figure in this evolving landscape.

From Homemaker to Visionary Leader

Anita's journey began in 1998 when she married Rajnarayan. Life took an unexpected turn when her husband's poultry business collapsed. The couple found themselves searching for new opportunities, and when the state government identified banana fiber as part of its One District One Product (ODOP) initiative in 2018, Anita saw the spark of possibility. After two decades of dedicating herself to her family as a homemaker, she took a bold leap. Anita traveled to the National Research Center for Banana in Chennai, where she received specialized training in producing banana fiber products. Her determination and newfound knowledge caught the attention of the District Industries Officer in Kushinagar, who recognized her potential and appointed her a master trainer.

Rising Above Challenges: Building an Empire from Scratch

As a master trainer, Anita empowered over 600 women, teaching them how to create a range of products from banana trees and flowers. But she didn't stop there. In 2022, she founded her own company, 'Shree Mythili Enterprises,' gathering a group of determined women to produce over 20 products, including banana flour, chips, vermicelli, juice, and pickles. The path was not easy. Anita faced countless challenges—paperwork, legal hurdles, and finding markets for her creations. But with Jagriti's timely support, she navigated these obstacles, her enterprise growing stronger with each step. Soon, demand for her products poured in from across India—Noida, Mumbai, Ghaziabad, Lucknow, Varanasi—and with it, a new chapter of success began.

A Heartfelt Tribute to Jagriti

Anita's voice swells with emotion when she speaks of Jagriti's role in her journey. "Anand Singh and the entire Jagriti team played a crucial role in the birth of Shree Mythili Enterprises," she says. "They brought me into the Jagriti cohort and secured financial aid of one lakh rupees through Accenture and an additional two lakh rupees from Aavishkaar Foundation. Their support in improving product quality and connecting me to the right markets has been invaluable. I thank them from the bottom of my heart."