ITANAGAR: In the picturesque Ziro Valley of Arunachal Pradesh, an agricultural engineer-turned entrepreneur, has not only placed India on the global wine map but has also become a trailblazer in women’s empowerment with her organic kiwi wine, Naara Aaba.
The name “Naara Aaba”, meaning “father’s name” in the local dialect, has earned a spot as a case study by prestigious institutions such as the Richard School of Business Foundation, the Richard Ivey School of Business, and the University of Western Ontario.
The accolades highlight the impressive success of the kiwi wine in a demanding market, providing substantial support to kiwifruit farmers and individuals, with a particular focus on those in Arunachal Pradesh.
Acknowledging the international recognition, Chief Minister Pema Khandu took to a social media website to congratulate Rita.
“Feeling so happy for Tage Rita, Founder and CEO of Lambu Subu Food & Beverages, Hong village, Lower Subansiri district… My special compliments to researchers of @IIMShillong – Parijat Upadhyay, Sandeep Puri, Sanjeev Ningombam, and Prabin Kumar Panigrahi for highlighting the feat of Tage Rita. We’re proud of you Ms Rita for bringing rare laurels to Arunachal Pradesh. Best wishes!” he wrote.
Rita’s remarkable journey that commenced in 2017.
Confronted with the challenge of surplus kiwis, Rita ingeniously invested in a boutique winery, offering a solution that not only addressed a local issue but also paved the way for more significant transformations.
Rooted in tradition and refined through six years of meticulous research, the winemaking process at Naara Aaba has evolved from its humble beginnings of 20,000 litres to a current capacity of 60,000 litres.
Rita’s accomplishments transcend the realm of winemaking. Recognitions such as the Women Transforming India Awards 2018 by the United Nations and NITI Aayog, along with the Nari Shakti Puraskar in 2022, reflect her contributions.
Amidst the plethora of accolades, her company has become a significant employer, providing opportunities for up to 100 seasonal workers in addition to the 25 permanent staff.
Boasting a revenue of Rs 12 crore, Naara Aaba success story not only serves as inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs but also positions her as a guiding light for the potential of sustainable practices in the region.
