Lucknow: Deputy chief minister Keshav Prasad Maurya on Sunday hailed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s mention of ‘Vidur Prerna Swadeshi Herbal Tea’ from Bijnor in the latest edition of ‘Mann Ki Baat’, describing it as a major recognition for the entrepreneurial spirit of women associated with self-help groups across the state.Maurya said the PM’s appreciation of the herbal tea, produced by women from a self-help group in Lakhiwala village of Kotwali block in Bijnor district, would inspire millions of rural women and strengthen the campaigns for ‘Vocal for Local’, ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ and women-led development.He said the herbal tea, prepared using natural ingredients such as lemongrass, giloy, liquorice, tulsi, raw turmeric, cinnamon, cardamom and fennel, had grown from an initial investment of around Rs 1 lakh into a recognised community brand with the potential to expand into international markets.
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According to Maurya, the ‘Vidur Prerna Swadeshi’ brand, established by the Bijnor district administration in Dec 2023, has emerged as a successful model of rural entrepreneurship under his guidance. The brand now markets more than 160 products, has recorded a business turnover of over Rs 12 crore, and sells its products through over 100 Vidur Prerna Swadeshi outlets and 64 Vidur Prerna Cafés. The herbal tea is also being marketed in Moradabad and several other districts.
