From Housewife to Village Sarpanch: Kalpna’s Rise through GHCL Foundation

 

The story of a housewife is not unknown to Indian villages. Women are married young, with minimal employable skills, and are generally given the home’s caretaker’s duty without much scope of self-improvement. GHCL Foundation’s Self Help Group program is directed to uplift such women. To give them an opportunity to learn business skills, financial management and book-keeping to further their lives and help the community in which they live.

Kalpna is a success story of GHCL’s Self Help Group program. She joined SHG as a typical housewife of a small village but soon became the Sarpanch of that same village by employing the skills she learned in our foundation’s program. Here is how Kalpna describes her journey and GHCL’s contributions towards her achievements.

Kalpna – the housewife

Kalpna lives in the village called Valvada in Gujarat, near the GHCL Home Textile Division. She belongs to a tribal family and never had an opportunity to learn skills beyond managing home chores. 3 years before her life’s most commendable achievement, Kalpna signed up for the Self Help Group program of GHCL Foundation. And according to her, this decision propelled her to a world she did not know ever existed for her.

“I learned to speak with people. Convince them about my viewpoints. I also picked up valuable lessons in cooperative management, book-keeping, financing a small business, and saving money. I attended various meetings, workshops and motivational sessions meant for women empowerment and creating model villages.”, said Kalpna. Gradually, the program boosted Kalpna’s self-confidence. She started bonding with and inspiring other women to uplift themselves and take up the opportunities available at SHG by GCHL.

Kalpna – the Sarpanch

Kalpna’s Self Help Group training enabled her “to think beyond home chores and family.” Kalpna wanted to work for her village, her community, and wished to make a difference by transforming Valvada into a model village. Her opportunity came in the form of Panchayat Elections and the women of Kalpna’s village instigated her to file a nomination. Even her family joined the inspirational chants that led Kalpna to fight the Panchayat Elections. She won and became Valvada’s sarpanch or elected leader.

“On looking back, I realise that none of this would have been possible without GCHL’s initiative to upskill women. I am grateful to the organisation for creating such opportunities for us. I knew I had found success in life when I saw banners with my photograph all around the village. People now come to me asking for help, praise me for my work. This was just a fantasy before GHCL.”, added Kalpna.

 

Check Now for Details: https://www.ghcl.co.in/csr-impact-stories/i-became-sarpanch-of-my-village

All You Need to Know About Limestone Mining Process

 India is a country enriched with potentially valuable mineral resources. Based on the diverse geological environment of the country, more than 90 minerals are found in India, out of which 4 are fuel minerals, 52 non-metallic, 11 metallic minerals, and 23 minor minerals. With this great wealth of natural mineral resources, the mining industry here is flourishing and contributing to the country's economic expansion. 

 A variety of mineral resources are extracted in India on both small and large scales. Out of all the rich mineral resources found, Limestone is one extensively varied industrial mineral commodity. It is a natural sedimentary rock found in the Earth's crust. Many soda ash manufacturers in India extract Limestone using different mining methods that we will discuss further in this blog.

So, how exactly mining of Limestone is done? Before we move on to that part, let's talk a little more about Limestones and how they are composed in Earth's crust.

Introduction to Limestones: A Substantial Industrial Mineral Resource

This sedimentary rock is significant because it comprises 50% calcium carbonate, usually the minerals calcite (pure CaCO3) or dolomite (calcium-magnesium carbonate, CaMg[CO3]2), and sometimes both (Wikipedia). Different methods are used to make different kinds of Limestone. The majority of limestones are mined from open quarries. However, in some areas, environmental and economical inferences are considered to support large-scale production by surface and underground mining. 

 The limestones are made in two ways. These can form by living organisms and evaporation. On the other hand, limestones are also made when water comprising calcium carbonate particles evaporate, which leaves behind the sediment coat. According to scientific studies, the destruction of forest cover, exhaustion of natural flora and fauna, polluted air, water, & soil, depletion of soil, loss in biodiversity, variations in landscape, the mutability of rock masses, and degradation of agricultural land are some of the prominent environmental inferences concerning the mining of the Limestone.

What Are the Different Processes Used for Limestone Mining?

Surface Limestone Mining

There are multiple primary factors used for surface mining. These are blasting, drilling, overburden extraction, and drawing ore to the compressing and processing plant. The assortment of surface mining equipment diversifies with the distinct specifications at specific operations, including production quantity needed, volume and form of the sediment, draw distances, expected life of the procedure, and other economic and social factors. Other than these factors, it is important to consider the utility of the products produced, the area of competitive developments, and environmental and safety conditions concerning the specific sediment.

For decades, the method of drilling and blasting was used to extract the Limestone. After that, it used to be wet-processed into clinker in the concrete plant. But this process used to be extremely expensive. So now the dry mining process is preferred for the production of the clinker as it minimizes the consumption of the fuel per ton of material. This has made an immense impact on the environment and the cost of production.

Underground Limestone Mining

For underground mining, the operations such as blasting, hauling, loading, drilling, and scaling & roof bolting. This makes use of drilling equipment like down-hole track drills and horizontal drills. They are usually different from the ones used in surface mining. This results in smaller blast holes and a more profound amount of rock is composed with every blast. The underground mine also uses powder loaders to fill ammonium nitrate–fuel oil mixtures within those holes.

Ascending rigs are used for the removal of loose rocks from the roof and ribs of the mine with the roof-bolting equipment are also needed for the underground mine. The underground limestone mines are room-and-pillar-kind methods and extract rock from both benches and headings. These limestone mines have numerous benches and an overall height of mine is up to 30m. On the other hand, the thickness of the sediment being excavated is majorly regulated by the width of the rock and the conditions of the relevant roof.

 With the help of a V-type drill pattern, the amount of rock composed with each shot can be maximized to decrease the volume of unbroken rock on the blast surface. It uses roof scaling for safety measures.

 So, this is all you need to know about the process of limestone mining. Are you seeking more of this? Here is what we have for you!

Get in Touch with Leading Manufacturing Partners of Raw Materials in India

GHCL is the prominent name among the Largest Soda Ash Manufacturers in India. We are known for extracting and distributing top-quality raw materials to multiple industries. Explore more about us at https://www.ghcl.co.in/.

Future Scope of Textile Industry in India

 Indian Textile Industry

The India Textile industry is said to be versatile and adds to the Indian economy significantly. Some even say that it is currently in the Golden Era of Indian Textile. The textile industry is the oldest in India and is said to have reached USD250 billion in 2019. The government is also looking at doubling the machinery sector for textiles in the next seven years. 

India’s textile industry isn’t all that well developed and hence requires investment from international groups as well as Indian companies. This is necessary to meet the demand as well. This is why it is good that the industry is now going through a phase of consolidation. Currently, there are 30 companies that have a turnover that is more than $200 million, and many of these companies have reported double-digit growth. It is expected that the industry will see growth at the rate of 20% annually and, in the next five years, could touch $30 billion. Two of the top textile manufacturers in India are GHCL and Vardhaman Textiles.

Characteristics of the Industry

The textile industry is said to be self-sustainable, and this is a unique advantage that very few sectors enjoy. They see high demand and a low labour cost which means that there are competitive advantages for the producers regarding their finished products. There are also significant opportunities for revenue making for the apparel as well as the domestic textile market.

Yarn

Yarn is an example of a fabric type that is produced by the textile industry. In 2019, the production of yarn was nearly 5 billion kgs. The volume of production for yarn has only increased from 2011. The largest share, at over 71% of the market share, was for cotton yarn. Its fabric productions’ share was 51.4% in the year 2018. That year, it was also noted that there was an increase of over 13% from the year 2012. In 2017, India became the second-largest textile yarn exporter. The largest value in the textile exports of India was for garments of cotton that are ready-made. Two of the top yarn manufacturers in India are Arvind Mills and GHCL.

Future of Textile Industry

Indian textiles have mainly focused on cotton all these years. Even now, cotton has a more significant share compared to global shares. But this is something that is changing. Many manufacturers are adding other options for fibre, like polyester. Demand for such fabrics is steadily growing too. Another aspect to keep in mind is that India emerged as the world’s second-largest exporter of textile in 2013. This has also encouraged producers to widen their base of production massively.

All of this, along with the latest changes and policies made by the Government of India, paves the way for massive and exponential growth in the textile industry. This benefits not only the companies but also farmers and those that work at the grass-root level, thereby developing the country’s economic system.

You Can Also Read What the Role of the Indian Textile Industry in the Economy

Atmanirbhar Bharat And The Manufacturing Industry in India

 Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan is an initiative of the Indian government that aims at making the country and its citizens self-reliant. India is focused on becoming the hub of manufacturing and services while the nation stays connected to the global supply chain.

India has the capability, innovation, and skill-set to develop the manufacturing sector and create state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities. If the manufacturing industry is developed, it will help deliver top quality products in and around the country as well as the globe. The main highlights of the policy aim at improving the condition of the current manufacturing sector.

Various manufacturing sectors are being developed to provide products and goods. For instance, India hopes to stop imports of yarn and textiles. Top yarn manufacturers in India will be able to improve the production of yarn and dominate the global market. Industrial salt manufacturers in India are also aiming to reduce imports of industrial salt. Imports of incense sticks have been restricted to help the incense industry grow in India.

The manufacturing industry is expected to accelerate India’s growth. Due to the uncertainties presented by the global pandemic, India has various opportunities to become self-reliant. The main objective of the Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan is to encourage domestic production and reduce India’s dependency on other countries.

Manufacturing MSMEs can avail loans guaranteed by the government to boost the economy, strengthen the supply chain, and lower the need to import products. As per NITI Aayog data, 75% of manufacturing jobs in India are available through SMEs.

Transformational reforms are also being made in coal, mining, and defense production to spur the local manufacturing industries. In a similar manner, the government can put up incentives for labour based industries to provide employment and deal with the migrant crisis.

In the wake of the pandemic, the government is encouraging the industry to increase production, create jobs, and manufacture quality products.

As a part of Atmanirbhar Bharat, the Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme has been introduced to 10 key sectors. The key sectors include pharmaceutical drugs, textile products, food products, and technology products, etc.

It aims to enhance the manufacturing capabilities of India and increase export. The PLI scheme will make India globally competitive, ensure efficiencies, and India can become a part of the global supply chain.

For example, the Indian textile industry is one of the largest in the world, with an approx 5% share in the global exports of textiles and apparel. However, the manufacturing industry for man-made fiber is lower in India. The PLI scheme will help improve investments to boost domestic production.

The PLI scheme is expected to boost various industries including, automotive, electronics, and pharmaceuticals in India, by bringing in investments and incentives.

The Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan promotes an efficient and resilient manufacturing sector. It also helps the growth in the production and export of goods and services.

Improving and developing a better manufacturing sector will enable India to become a part of the global supply chain and establish links with the MSMEs sector in the country. This development will be helpful in the economic boost and open various employment opportunities within the nation.

The Process of Manufacturing Textiles

 The process of manufacturing textiles involves the integrated steps of yarn production, weaving, dyeing, printing to the final manufacturing of garments, bedsheets, comforters, linen, etc. Garments are produced based on the demand of the market. There are various types of garments, linens and fabrics created based on seasons, occasions and trends. There are many garment manufacturers, bed sheets and comforter manufacturers in India who process and produce garments and fabrics such as GHCL. Textiles are exported abroad to supply and meet market demands. The cloth production goes through various stages to provide quality material.

1. Spinning

Spinning is the method of converting fibres and synthetic filaments into yarn. The process involves converting the fibres into yarns with the help of machinery in large textile companies. Converting fibre into yarn involves various methods such as combing, roving, spinning and carding. Yarns may vary in thickness, fibre content, smoothness, twists, all of which make an impact on the fabric that will be produced.

2. Weaving

The core of textile manufacturing is the process of fabric production. Though the production of most of the fabric is through the process of weaving, the other methods of production include knitting, felting and bonding. 

Weaving is the process of interlacing yarn to produce the desired fabric. The weaving method decides the character of the woven fabric. The basic weaving systems are plain or tabby, twill and satin. In large textile companies, the looms are electric and do not require the skills needed for handwoven fabrics.

3. Dyeing and Printing

Dyeing and printing are the next steps of textile manufacturing. Alterations in the colour and appearance can be done by the method of dyeing and printing. Dyeing is the method in which pigments or dyes made from chemicals are used to change the colour of the fabric. Printing changes the appearance of the fabric by dyeing or pigmenting the fabric to form patterns and designs.

Dyeing can be done at any step of textile production. The process of dyeing can be done during spinning, weaving or even after the garment has been produced. Printing, on the other hand, is a process that can be done only after the production of fabric.

4. Garment Manufacturing

The final step in the textile manufacturing process is the production of the garment. In this process, the final cloth is created from the processing of the semi-stitched cloth. This is a long and lengthy process in which garments and textiles are created after undergoing various steps to add accessories and final cuts. The various steps involved in this step include designing, sampling, sewing, finishing and packing. Machinery has made work easier and faster and with the help of automated machinery, the desired garment or textile is produced to be packaged and dispatched.

Really Amazing Source find out Regarding on Textile Industry In India: Challenges and Opportunities in 2020

GHCL’s Social Work During Pandemic

 GHCL has always been upfront about helping underprivileged people through its GHCL Foundation Trust. It has upgraded its CSR activities to cover a larger section of the society to provide support to the downtrodden, needy and marginalized citizens and also to create a social infrastructure for their sustenance.

The pandemic of COVID-19 has brought the world to a standstill. Businesses got affected but the worse happened to people who were low wage workers, and had no savings or additional income. Keeping the chaos in mind, GHCL stepped forward to lend a helping hand and take care of underprivileged people till the situation gets back to normal.

 

Challenges face by low wage workers

Due to the COVID 19 pandemic, many villagers were not able to move out as workers were forced to stay back home. For some time, the Trust ensured a supply of food kits to fulfil their basic requirement, but this was not a permanent solution.

After analysing various facts, GHCL Foundation Trust decided to help these people to be productive. Many of these migrants owned small pieces of land that was unused. The Foundation Trust conducted surveys of these lands and called everyone to discuss the opportunities in the presence of the village Sarpanch, Mantri and other leaders.

The migrants were not willing to start cultivation in their land, as they were not having the money to buy the required seeds and fertilisers for the same. The Foundation Trust supported them and distributed organic manure, Bajra seeds, and vegetable seeds to around 125 families across 8 villages. In addition, 1350 saplings of coconut, mango, lemon, pomegranate, and chiku were given. This initiative helped the migrant families utilise their land to earn livelihood.

 

Challenges faced by children during lockdown

Children were also guided to stay back at home and study through online classes. But the kids from the village neither had good internet connectivity nor they were able to gain any interactive knowledge because of the lockdown.

The members of the Foundation Trust of GHCL Limited – One of the largest industrial salt manufacturers in india, along with Swadeep- NGO Partner, project Vidyajyot, came out with a great solution. The team listed out the contacts of every student and Anganwadi workers and reached out to the parents through the phone. The team designed various assignments for students based on their grades and they were asked to submit the assignment by either clicking a picture of the same or creating a small video and sharing it via phone. The team reached more than 2000 children from 61 Balwadi and 12 schools from 20 villages. Both the students as well as their parents appreciated this initiative.

 

Initiative by Corona Warriors

Bhavana, a passed out student of GHCL Vocational Training Institute, Jafrabad. A CSR initiative of GHCL. Today when our country is fighting with the outbreak of COVID 19, the institute received a call from Bhavana. She is now one of the corona warriors who are fighting for the lives of thousands of people. Although,  today she is facing tremendous pressure from her family to leave her job as they are worried about her wellbeing, but she is determined to serve the people who are fighting with this deadly virus.

Demand For Organic Spices Rise In India

 Lately, people have started to take their health seriously. They are consuming products that are necessary for a healthy living. This whole need of wanting to be healthy has led in the spike of demand for organic spices in India. India Organic Spices market stood at an estimated $ 200 million in FY 2020 and is projected to grow at a steady CAGR of 11% during FY 2026. Spices companies in India have the idea of how this business is going to flourish in coming years, and they are also considering it as a great opportunity for export in future.

 

Organic spices companies like chilli powder manufacturers in India, turmeric powder manufacturers, etc are gaining a lot of popularity amidst the pandemic and this is where the economy can see the silver lining.

The popularity of ethnic and exotic food is one of the major factors responsible for the growth of organic spices in India. Additionally, rising consumption of convenience food coupled with introduction of new flavors in convenience food are some other growth factors. Moreover, consumers across the country are getting inclined towards the use of natural and organic ingredients in their diets.

 

Companies like TATA, GHCL, and other renowned brands are stepping up to provide consumers with the best quality and reliable spices in order to build the trust. Lately, central as well as state governments and NGOs in the country are promoting organic farming among farmers by providing them with financial support and technical assistance for practicing organic farming.

 

India organic spices market is segmented based on Type, By Form, By Distribution Channel, and By Region. Based on Type, the market is segmented into Basil, Garlic, Ginger, Turmeric, Cumin, Cinnamon, Chilli, Clove, Cardamom, and Others. Among these, Turmeric held the largest share because of its anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antiseptic qualities and its use as a natural painkiller and healer. Also, it is believed to help in various health conditions including Alzheimer’s disease, cancer, and joint pains.

 

The awareness towards health and immunity have caused this prominence of spices in India and its not going to get lost in the future, and that’s for sure. All the manufacturers need to make a plan so that this industry can help boost the economy in the long run.

Also You can Read This Amazing Article About the Future of Spice Industry in India