Kalaburagi jolada rotti goes global, finds markets overseas

Pic: Green signal given by minister Priyank Kharge to export Kalaburagi Rottis to foreign countries in Kalaburagi on SaturdayKalaburagi: Kalaburagi jolada rotti, traditionally prepared by local self-help groups, has now made its way to international markets. Rural Development & Panchayat Raj and Kalaburagi district minister Priyank Kharge said efforts taken over the past one-and-a-half years to introduce Kalaburagi rotti abroad have borne fruit, calling it a moment of pride for the district.He was speaking at a programme held at the city's Arivina Mane auditorium, where he flagged off consignments packed for export to Australia, the United States and Canada. The boxes were handed over to postal staff for dispatch to overseas destinations through courier services.Around 1,000 women have been engaged in preparing jolada rottis under nearly 100 self-help groups for the past one-and-a-half years under the brand name ‘Kalaburagi Rotti'. Arrangements have now been made to export the product to the US, Canada and Australia through an export company based in Pune.Calling it a proud achievement for Kalaburagi, Kharge said plans are in place to export 10,000 rottis every month to the US and Australia, and 5,000 to Canada. The numbers are expected to increase in the coming months. Kalaburagi Rotti is currently being sold under its brand name through Amazon, the Kalaburagi Rotti website, franchise outlets and local markets.More than 100 self-help groups and over 1,000 women are benefiting from the initiative. Women involved in producing Kalaburagi Rotti earn between Rs 15,000 and Rs 20,000 per month, with additional income generated through supplies for weddings and other social functions.