Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Minister Priyank Kharge on Saturday (May 9) said the famous ‘Kalaburagi Roti’ is steadily emerging as a global brand after the launching of initiatives related to its export expansion on an experimental basis a year ago.

Addressing the gathering here after launching the export initiative of Kalaburagi Roti to international markets, the Minister said Kalaburagi Rotis are currently being sold through Amazon, the official Kalaburagi Roti website, franchise outlets, and local markets under the ‘Kalaburagi Roti’ brand.

He said that more than 100 self-help groups and over 1,000 women are directly benefiting from the project. Women involved in roti production are earning between ₹15,000 and ₹20,000 every month, apart from additional income through marriage and event orders.

Mr. Kharge said efforts to export the rotis to Australia, Canada, and the U.S. have gained momentum. Discussions have been held with Pune-based Ashtham Traders, and in the first phase, nearly one lakh rotis will be exported annually to Australia and the U.S.

The Minister highlighted that getting permission to export local food products to foreign countries is usually a long and complicated process, involving multiple regulations and approvals. However, in the case of Kalaburagi Roti, this challenge has been successfully overcome. The product has managed to clear the required formalities and move towards international markets, he added.

Mr. Kharge said the export initiative will significantly improve the income of women producers. While one roti currently sells for ₹10 to ₹12 in local markets, the international market price is expected to range between ₹25 and ₹30.

To improve quality and export standards, an advanced air-tight packaging unit is being established with ₹55 lakh CSR funding. Infrastructure for the unit is being developed at the District Agriculture Training Centre in Kotnoor under the DMF scheme at a cost of ₹32 lakh.

Mr. Kharge said the packaging facility will strengthen export capacity and enhance the shelf life and quality of the rotis.

According to officials, around 10,000 to 25,000 rotis will be exported every month.

Member of the Roti Producers Association, Sharanamma Patil, thanked Ashtham Traders and the district administration for supporting women entrepreneurs and promoting local products at the international level.