KALABURAGI – Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s mention of Kalaburagi’s jowar roti during his Mann Ki Baat broadcast has brought pride to the district and is expected to significantly boost its national and global recognition, said Deputy Commissioner B. Fouzia Tarannum.
Women’s self-help groups in the district are producing and selling around 3,000 jowar rotis daily through a producers' union, with demand growing in urban areas. Dedicated counters have already been set up in Bengaluru, reflecting increasing popularity. The Prime Minister also highlighted how the initiative has empowered women financially.
Jowar, a staple crop in the rain-fed lands of Kalaburagi, covers most of the district’s agriculture. Chittapur taluk’s pearl-white jowar is especially well-known. Visitors often sample local rotis, including sajje roti, another specialty. The district administration has distributed over 100 roti-making machines to women’s groups, backed by funding under the Karnataka Farmer Prosperity Scheme (₹5 lakh) and sugar mills’ CSR funds (₹6 lakh).
Women involved in roti production are earning ₹15,000–₹20,000 monthly, improving their livelihoods and raising jowar demand, thereby supporting farmers. The administration has branded "Kalaburagi Roti" with marketing, sales centres, and delivery platforms in Kalaburagi and Bengaluru, managed by the Producers' Co-operative Society.
Expansion plans include Hyderabad, Bidar, Pune, Mumbai, and Delhi. The rotis are available on Amazon, Zomato, and via home delivery through www.kalaburagirotti.com. The initiative meets food safety standards with nutrient testing, certifications, GST/PAN registration, and FSSAI compliance. Export procedures are in progress. The project has created direct employment for 1,000 women and indirect opportunities for thousands more.
