These two mothers started a healthy millet-based food business to tackle malnutrition in children - hit Rs 24 lakh turnover in 2022.

Rigdam Foods, a small business, was founded in 2014 by Dibyajyoti Borgohain and Madhavi Pomar, who shared a common vision of providing healthy and nutritious food for their children. 

While Dibyajyoti Borgohain comes from Assam, the latter hails from Tirupati. Together, they set up the company in 2014 after enrolling in an entrepreneurship development program, where they discovered the fact that both of them were equally passionate about providing nutritious food for their children. That is how Rigdam Foods started.

The Journey

With a mission to promote all-round development and address issues of malnutrition among children, they turned to millet, a super crop that has been on the verge of extinction for centuries.

The founders learned the primary know-how of millets from the Indian Institute of Millets Research (IIMR) and invested their savings from their previous jobs to open the venture. 

Today, Rigdam Foods has a product line that includes innovative millet items such as choco balls, biscuits, breakfast bars, Nutri bars, and more, which are safe, hygienic, and use 20-25% less oil than other fast foods.

Data proves millet is a superfood

According to the 2022 National Family Health Survey (NFHS) 5 India Report, a significant percentage of children under the age of five in India are malnourished. 35.5% of these children are stunted, and 32.1% are underweight. To combat malnutrition and promote overall development, millet, a whole-grain crop, can be a beneficial addition to the diet.

Millet is a nutrient-rich food that has been a staple in many cultures for centuries. It contains between 7-12% protein, 2-5% fat, 65-75% carbohydrates, and 15-20% dietary fibre, making it an excellent source of essential nutrients like calcium, zinc, fibre, and iron. Incorporating millet into the diet can help reduce malnutrition and promote good health in children and adults alike. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) recognizes millet's nutritional value and recommends its consumption as part of a balanced diet.

Rigdam Foods' relentless growth

Rigdam Foods' products are priced between Rs 10 and Rs 50, making them pocket-friendly and on-the-go healthy snack items for customers. 

According to The Better India, the business has generated a turnover of over Rs 24 lakh in 2022. 

They have served more than 20,000 customers from across India and sell their products through online marketplaces like Amazon and Flipkart.

In addition to their business success, Rigdam Foods has collaborated with the Assam Agriculture Department and supplied around 1,000 millet baskets to national and international delegates attending the G-20 meetings in Assam.

The road ahead

The co-founders are now looking forward to reaching more and more people in the International Year of Millets (2023). With the growing awareness of the benefits of millet and the increasing demand for healthy snacks, Rigdam Foods has the potential to expand its reach and make a significant impact on the lives of people in India.

Rigdam Foods' success story is a testament to the power of entrepreneurship, innovation, and social impact. 

The founders' shared vision and passion for promoting healthy living through millet snacks have brought them success and recognition. As they continue to grow and expand, they will undoubtedly inspire others to follow in their footsteps and create positive change in their communities.