Gupta’s inspiring sattu trade in Rautahat

By Yabaraj Puri,Rautahat, July 6: Pramod Kumar Gupta, an Indian vendor, can be an inspiration for many unemployed Nepali youths. He has been making a daily profit ranging from Rs. 5,000 to Rs. 8,000 by selling sattu (roasted gram flour). 

Gupta has become an inspiring role model for those who believe that job opportunities are scarce in the country. His success story shines brightly, challenging the notion of limited job opportunities and proving that opportunities exist for those willing to seek and seize them.

For the past five months, Gupta has been operating a unique business in Rautahat, selling freshly ground sattu directly to the customers' households. 

To facilitate this innovative approach, he has ingeniously installed a grinding machine on his motorcycle. This allows him to offer his customers freshly ground sattu right at their doorstep.

Following his successful venture, sattu is now easily available in both urban and rural areas in the district. 

He travels to the villages with 100 packets, each containing one kilogram of grams and thyme seeds. He grinds the mixture in front of the consumers and sells them at the rate of Rs. 200 per kg. 

Gupta mentioned that he sells approximately 70 kg to one quintal of sattu on a single day. 

"Gram costs Rs. 1,00 per kg in the Indian market. After adding the cost of thyme seeds, petrol, labour wage and grinder, the total production cost of a kg of sattu reaches around Rs. 120,” he added.

Laxmi Sah, a local of Chandrapur Municipality-5, said the sattu purchased from Gupta is free from any adulteration. 

“The taste of Gupta's sattu, which is made from a blend of grams and thyme seeds, sets it apart from other varieties available in the market,” she added. 

According to her, Gupta's exceptional service includes delivering sattu right to their doorsteps with just a single phone call. He personally arrives at the customer's location and grinds the sattu right in front of them before selling it. 

However, Gupta’s sattu has affected the business of the ready-made sattu in local markets. 

Surendra Sah, a sattu trader from Garuda, the main market of Rautahat, said the sale of prepared sattu has been declining. 

This decrease in sales could be attributed to the rise of gram sattu being freshly made and sold directly to consumers, he added. 

The market demand for gram sattu has witnessed an increase in Rautahat, as consumers show a growing preference for this nutritious food option. 

Chairman of Chandrapur City Chamber of Commerce Surendra Sapkota said the quality of sattu available in the market has been substandard. “As a result, many prefer to Gupta’s sattu.”

Stating that skill, efficiency, and hard work demonstrated by Indian businessman Gupta serve as an inspiration for unemployed Nepali youths, he suggested engaging in the sale and distribution of spices, such as chili powder, turmeric, and other daily consumables and became self-employed.