LUCKNOW, July 15 — An organic herbal tea produced by rural women’s cooperative groups in Uttar Pradesh has achieved significant market success, securing distribution networks across multiple states and attracting commercial interest in international markets.
Developed under the state’s rural livelihood schemes, the enterprise has emerged as a practical example of rural women-led entrepreneurship. Driven by consistent domestic demand from major states such as Delhi, Punjab, Odisha, and West Bengal, the brand, known as ‘Vidur Herbal Tea’, is actively preparing to expand its commercial footprint with proposed franchise outlets in the United States, England, Germany, and France.
The enterprise initially commenced operations in the Kotwali Block of Bijnor district with a seed loan of Rs 1 lakh obtained under the National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM). Managed entirely by a collaborative group of local women, the venture has established a steady source of self-employment and sustainable income, contributing directly to the financial independence of rural families in the region.
The herbal tea is processed using locally sourced, natural ingredients, including organic lemongrass, giloy, mulethi, jamun, raw turmeric, guava leaves, cinnamon, tulsi, green cardamom, and fennel. The group manufactures two primary variants: a traditional organic herbal blend and a specialized heart-health tea marketed as ‘Arjuna Hriday Shakti’, which is designed to be prepared with either milk or water.
The initiative received key early support from local administrative channels. Officers associated with the program noted that the collaborative structure of the Self-Help Groups has effectively helped rural women manage their family responsibilities while establishing independent commercial capabilities.
Presently, Vidur Herbal Tea is supplied to 35 outlets and cafes across Bijnor. The enterprise has also established two dedicated tea centers managed by women in Moradabad, including a recently opened outlet near the Civil Lines area, with plans underway to establish five additional locations in the city soon.
Under the ongoing state livelihood programs, the administrative framework continues to offer training, financial assistance, and vital market access, helping localized cooperative groups utilize regional agricultural resources to build sustainable businesses that appeal to modern consumer markets.
