RUDI Bazaar: The Rural Distribution Network

A Rural Distribution Network is being established by SEWA Gram Mahila Haat with the aim of building local marketing network. The produce of more than 4000 groups and 3,58,000 women from 14 districts of Gujarat is procured, graded, sorted, cleaned, packed and sold among the 3,58,000 members of SEWA in the 14 districts. The entire operation is handled by the rural women themselves. RUDI Bazaar thus generates local employment. Brings assured market for the producers. Provides quality products at affordable prices to the rural consumers.

RUDI BAZAAR is the Bazaar owned and managed by the Rural women members of SEWA. The Bazaar is built on the smallest consumer with a purchasing power of only Rs. 50/- to Rs. 100/- a month, but multiplies into 5,30,000 members of SEWA, resulting into an annual turnover of 16 crore rupees.

Hindustan Lever Ltd. and the Grassroots Trading Network have provided the needed technical and capacity building input to SEWA Gram Mahila Haat in setting up the Rudi Bazaar.

“RUDI” represents ‘quality and purity’ of the product and the strength of the women. The initiative is being piloted at Sabarkantha District and then will be replicated in other 13 Districts.

“RUDI” brand will be launched officially 8^th December, 2004 by NABARD’s chairperson Dr. Ranjana Kumar and SEWA’s founder Mrs. Ela Bhatt.