Mast Mokhada is a brand established for locally made snacks and Ready-to-Use-Foods (RUF). India has several such food items that have a huge market. Grameen First Eco-Business Foundation sees an opportunity for growth in this segment that can potentially provide jobs to thousands of rural women.

Papad making is one of the initiatives under this brand that can give women opportunities to work from home. Other items that are popular in India like Farsan, Shankarpali, Potato Chips, Nachos, Ladoos, and other baked items have a vast potential and can be easily produced by women in Mokhada. Similarly, several value-add items like pickles, jams, marmalades, preserves and wines etc. are a product line that is also being explored. This provides a vital link to locally available fresh farm produce that will offer farmers an opportunity for additional income.

A special leadership group of ten women called the Mast Mokhada Women’s group are being trained as master trainers and will be given the opportunity to run this as a small business venture. A commercial space near the main Mokhada bus stand to be run as a shop will stock all these and other Grameen First products. This establishment or shop will provide the in-transit passengers as well as the local population hot delicious mini-meals and a chance to purchase freshly made snacks for their loved ones at home. This will be wholly managed and operated by the Mast Mokhada women’s group.