Jahangeer Ganaie
Banihal, Sep 1: A woman from Banihal area of Ramban district has started a food processing unit where around a dozen persons are getting employment.
Heena Lateef, a 27-year-old woman from Takia Tethar Banihal after completing her MA in English Literature from Jammu University has established a food processing unit thereby earmarking a remarkable path as an entrepreneur.
Heena said that after facing setbacks in pursuit of government jobs ,she along with her husband explored different business ideas and finally decided to start a food processing unit in Chenab valley.
“It took us around two years to explore the idea and to decide whether to go for it or not and finally started ‘Sheikh Enterprises’, the first food processing unit in Chenab valley and it was done with the help of the Prime Minister Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP),” she said. “In year 2022, our company came into existence and as of now there has been a very overwhelming response and demand for our products whatever we are manufacturing.”
Heena said that the different kinds of snacks manufactured at her company are going to every corner of J&K and with each passing day, the demand for the products are increasing.
“Currently seven women are working at our unit who are managing each and every process of the snacks at the unit while there are several boys who are doing marketing of our products who are also earning their livelihood very well,” She said.
Heena is also running a ‘BAHI FOODS’ youtube and Instagram channel where she shares different business ideas with people.
She said that women, especially educated women, need to stand on their own legs to become financially independent so as to become job providers instead of job seekers.
“At initial stage, there are risks and difficulties in every field but you need to be determined, consistent and hardworking, and if you will do so you will definitely achieve your goal,” she said.
