In the heart of Nandgaon, a village nestled within the Badwani district of Madhya Pradesh, Sita Devi Mulewa embarked on a journey to transform her life and inspire countless others. Through her association with the Ajeevika Mission, Sita Devi is writing her success story through agriculture, becoming a shining example in her community.
From Humble Beginnings to Agricultural Mastery
Sita Devi’s story is one of humble beginnings and remarkable growth. Starting with just a few acres of land, she gradually expanded her holdings to an impressive ten acres through sheer determination and hard work. However, it was not merely the size of her farm that set her apart; her innovative approach and commitment to organic farming truly distinguished her.
Apply for a business loan starting from INR 5 lakhs.
Her willingness to break barriers and defy expectations sets Sita Devi apart. From manoeuvring tractors with ease to tending to her crops with a steady hand, she fearlessly embraced every aspect of agricultural work.
Sita Devi stated, “When I first embarked on my agricultural journey, I never imagined the heights to which I would ascend. With just a few acres of land and a heart full of dreams, I set out to carve a path of empowerment through the soil beneath my feet. Through the guidance and support of the Ajeevika Mission, I embraced the principles of organic farming and self-reliance, transforming barren fields into bountiful orchards and golden wheat fields.”
A Journey of Self-Help and Collective Growth
Central to Sita Devi’s success was her involvement with Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and the cooperative spirit they fostered. She ventured into organic farming with fellow farmers, reaping bountiful wheat harvests and diversifying her produce to include ginger, turmeric, guava, lemon, and mangoes. Moreover, by venturing into pickle making, she not only added value to her harvest but also provided employment opportunities for other women in her community.
Beyond her farm, Sita Devi became a vocal advocate for organic farming and sustainable agricultural practices. Through relentless promotion and hands-on training sessions, she encouraged others to adopt eco-friendly methods, such as vermicomposting, and embrace the principles of self-reliance and environmental stewardship.
Sita Devi recounts, “We formed a Self-Help Group named Sai Nath. We initiated organic farming practices. This season, we harvested 13 quintals of wheat. I even learned to operate the tractor in the fields. We cultivated ginger, turmeric, guava, lemon, and mango orchards. Alongside, we began selling pickles under the brand name ‘Ajeevika Achar,’ including turmeric, lemon, and mango pickles. We sold one and a half quintals of lemon pickles. Now, our financial situation has improved.”
Empowering Women, Transforming Communities
She says, “Our journey was not without its setbacks, but with perseverance and resilience, we weathered every storm that came our way. From selling homemade pickles under the Ajeevika Achar brand to diversifying our crops with ginger, turmeric, and mangoes, we transformed our humble farm into a thriving hub of sustainable agriculture and economic growth.”
Sita Devi’s impact transcended the boundaries of her village. As a Krishi Sakhi (agricultural friend) and leader within her village organisation, she inspired women across the district and beyond. Her journey from the fields of Nandgaon to the corridors of power in Delhi served as a beacon of hope and empowerment for countless others seeking to chart their path to prosperity.
Feeling proud of her self-help group, Sita said, “Together, we have proven that anything is possible with hard work, dedication, and a sprinkle of determination. And as we continue to tread this path of growth and prosperity, I am confident that the best is yet to come.”
A Bright Future Ahead
As Sita Devi’s story unfolds, the seeds of empowerment she has sown bear fruit. With the unwavering support of her husband, Ghamandilal Mulewa, she remains committed to her vision of sustainable agriculture and inclusive growth. As she looks towards the future, she envisions a world where every woman has the opportunity to realise her full potential and contribute to the prosperity of her community.
In the fields of Nandgaon, amidst the golden waves of wheat and the lush greenery of organic orchards, Sita Devi stands as a testament to the transformative power of empowerment and perseverance. Through her unwavering dedication and pioneering spirit, she has transformed her life and become a guiding light for others, illuminating the path towards a brighter, more sustainable future for all.
In the MahilaMoneyXRavivarVichar impact series, we bring you captivating narratives showcasing the journeys of women entrepreneurs. These stories encapsulate a range of experiences, from challenges to triumphs. Our main goal in this collaboration is to amplify the visibility of women entrepreneurs, promote diversity within the entrepreneurial landscape, and offer inspiration to fellow women.
If you are a #JiyoApneDumPe woman entrepreneur who wants to take your business to new heights and needs working capital and entrepreneurship resources, speak to us on Mahila Money. Apply for a loan of up to 25 lakhs to fuel your business growth by downloading the Mahila Money App or visiting our website http://www.mahila.money.
