Tage Rita, an entrepreneur from Arunachal Pradesh, India, began her professional journey as an engineer. She spent 17 years working with the Rural Works Department in Arunachal Pradesh, where she honed her technical skills and developed a passion for community development. Her educational background in engineering laid a strong foundation for her future endeavors in entrepreneurship.
Transition to Entrepreneurship
In 2016, Tage Rita made a significant career shift by co-founding Naara Aaba, India's first organic kiwi wine brand. The idea for the winery was sparked by her husband, Takhe Tamo, who shared his passion for wine and encouraged Rita to explore winemaking. Despite the security of her government job and the challenges of entrepreneurship, Rita and her husband invested approximately ₹4 crore to establish their winery, driven by a vision to produce high-quality organic wine (30 Stades) (The Critical Script).
Naara Aaba: Revolutionizing Organic Wine Production
Naara Aaba is renowned for its commitment to organic production. The winery uses certified organic ingredients, including kiwi fruits, yeast, and sugar. The production process involves meticulous steps such as fruit collection, cleaning, grading, cold stabilization, and bottling, ensuring that the wine retains its natural taste and health benefits. Initially, the winery had a capacity of 20,000 liters per batch, which has now increased to 60,000 liters, reflecting its growth and success (30 Stades) (The Critical Script).
Impact on Local Agriculture and Community
The establishment of Naara Aaba had a transformative effect on local kiwi farming, which had been in decline due to a lack of market linkages. By purchasing around 20 metric tons of kiwi fruit in the first year, Rita's winery encouraged approximately 300 farmers to return to their orchards, revitalizing local agriculture. Additionally, Rita's enterprise has provided employment opportunities for many school and college dropouts, as well as elderly individuals, contributing to the socio-economic development of the region (The Critical Script).
Awards and Recognition
Tage Rita's entrepreneurial achievements and contributions to community development have been widely recognized. She has received numerous prestigious awards, including:
Vasundhara Award from Sreemanta Sankara Mission, Guwahati (2017)
Pioneer Women Entrepreneur of Ziro Award by Helping Hands, Delhi (2017)
Innovative Entrepreneur Award by SMILE ZIRO (2017)
Women Transforming India Award by the United Nations and NITI Aayog (2018)
Nari Shakti Puraskar on International Women's Day (2020)
Challenges and Advocacy
Despite her success, Rita faces significant challenges in the competitive and syndicate-dominated alcohol market. Her brand has been boycotted within the state, prompting her to advocate for stronger government policies to promote local products over imported ones. Her resilience and determination continue to drive her efforts to overcome these obstacles and sustain her business (30 Stades).
Legacy and Influence
Tage Rita is not only a successful entrepreneur but also a role model and mentor for aspiring entrepreneurs in Arunachal Pradesh. Her journey highlights the importance of innovation, resilience, and community support in achieving entrepreneurial success. Through Naara Aaba, she has created a sustainable business model that benefits local farmers, provides employment opportunities, and promotes organic products. Her story is an inspiration to many, exemplifying how dedication and vision can lead to significant positive changes in society.
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