Varsha Minz, Ph.D. Scholar, Department of Fruit Science, COA, IGKV, Raipur
Dr. Subuhi Nishad, NSS Program Officer, COA, IGKV, Raipur

In many developing regions, women's economic empowerment remains a pivotal yet challenging goal. One innovative avenue for achieving this is through small-scale food production, such as making papaya jam. This venture can significantly increase women's income, provide sustainable livelihoods, and contribute to community development.

The Economic Potential of Papaya Jam

Constituent

Quantity

Moisture (%)

: 90

Protein (g/100 g)

: 0.5-1.5

Fat (g/100 g)

: 0.08-0.10

Carbohydrate (%)

: 8-9.5

Calcium (mg/100 g)

: 15-40

Phosphorus (mg/100g)

: 5-20

Sodium (mg/100 g)

: 3-4

Potassium (mg/100 g)

: 12-15

Iron (mg/100 g)

: 0.25-0.75

Carotene (IU/100g)

: 1500-2000

Vit B1 - Thiamine (mg/100 g)

: 0.40

Vit B2 – Riboflavin (mg/100 g)

: 250

Calorific value (calories/100 g)

: 25-40

 













The papaya (Carica papaya L.), belongs to the family Caricaceae, is an important fruit crop of tropical and subtropical regions of the world. The papaya crop is easy to grow, produces fruits in less than a year and its cultivation is also remunerative. Interestingly it is one of the few fruit crops that flowers and fruits throughout the year.


Papaya, a fruit rich in vitamins and enzymes, is often abundant in many regions where women's economic opportunities are limited. Utilizing this readily available resource for jam production can create a high-value product with substantial market potential. The process of making papaya jam is relatively simple, does not require sophisticated machinery, and can be done with minimal initial investment.

Proximate composition of papaya fruit:

Steps to Start Papaya Jam Production
Training and Skill Development: To start, women need training in both the technical aspects of jam-making and essential business skills. Workshops can cover topics such as selecting ripe papayas, the jam-making process, hygiene practices, packaging, and marketing strategies.

Sourcing Raw Materials: Women can source papayas from local farms or even grow them, ensuring a fresh and continuous supply. This also promotes local agriculture and reduces costs.

Production Process:

1. Preparation: Clean and peel the papayas, then cut them into small pieces and make into pulp.

2. Cooking: Cook the papaya pulp with sugar (pulp: sugar ratio should be 1:0.75), lemon juice or citric acid until they reach the desired consistency. This step ensures the preservation of the fruit while enhancing its flavor.

3. Packaging: Once cooked, the jam should be carefully poured into sterilized jars to prevent contamination and prolong shelf life.

4. Quality Control: Maintaining high hygiene standards and consistent quality is crucial for building a trustworthy brand. Regular testing for taste, texture, and shelf stability can help in achieving this.

FLOW CHART OF JAM PREPARATION

Fresh ripe papaya fruits
↓
Washing
↓
Peeling and cutting
↓
Pulping
↓
Simmering
↓
Stirring
↓
Addition of sugar
↓
Rapid boiling/concentration
↓
Addition of citric acid
↓
Judging the end point
↓
Filling hot into sterilized bottles

Process of Jam preparation
↓
Ripe Papaya Fruit
↓
Washing
↓
Peeling
↓
Simmering the pulp
↓
Pulping
↓
Cutting
↓
Addition of sugar and cook
↓
Addition of Citric Acid
↓
Filling in glass jar


Marketing and Sales
Women can sell their papaya jam through various channels.
  • Local Markets: Farmers' markets, local shops, and community events are excellent starting points.
  • Online Platforms: E-commerce websites and social media can expand their reach beyond local communities.
  • Collaborations: Partnering with local restaurants, cafes, and hotels can create a steady demand.

Impact on Women's Income and Community Development
  • Increased Income: Papaya jam production can substantially increase women's income. By turning a low-cost raw material into a high-value product, women can achieve better margins and financial stability.
  • Employment Opportunities: As production scales up, women can employ others in their community, creating job opportunities and promoting economic growth.
  • Empowerment and Independence: Financial independence empowers women, leading to improved decision-making power within their households and communities. This shift can have positive ripple effects, such as better education and healthcare for their families.
  • Skill Development: Women acquire valuable skills that can be applied to other agricultural or food processing ventures.
  • Community Building: The collaborative nature of the program fosters a sense of community and mutual support among participants.
  • Health and Nutrition: The consumption and sale of papaya jam also promote better health and nutrition practices within communities.
  • Community Benefits: Local papaya jam production fosters community cohesion and resilience. It encourages the utilization of local resources and knowledge, contributing to a more self-sustaining economy.

Conclusion
Papaya jam production offers a viable and sustainable pathway to enhance women's income and empower them economically. With proper training, support, and access to markets, women can transform this simple fruit into a profitable enterprise, driving both personal and community growth. By investing in such initiatives, we can make significant strides toward gender equality and economic development in regions where they are most needed.