This is the inspiring story of Ratan Bai Solanki, a resident of Dilwara village in the Tirla block of Dhar district, Madhya Pradesh. Ratan Bai, along with her husband, children, and a large family, struggled to make ends meet with a meagre income of just 10 to 12 thousand rupees from domestic labour and small-scale farming.
However, her life improved when she came into contact with a local mission and formed a self-help group, leading to multiple income streams and a better life.
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Diversifying Income: From Milk Production to Agriculture
In Dilwara village, Ratan Solanki and her family scraped by with their four bighas of land and labour income. The local livelihood mission contacted the village, and Ratan Bai was introduced to the Shri Krishna Self-Help Group. Taking full advantage of the training and support offered, she began exploring different avenues to increase her income.
Ratan Solanki recalls, “We had one buffalo at home. After joining the group, I received a loan of 1.10 lakh rupees. With 20,000 rupees, I bought goats, and with another 50,000 rupees loan, I purchased four cows. In addition to farming, we started raising six buffaloes, three cows, and goats. We began selling around 12 litres of milk daily, increasing our monthly income to 25 to 30 thousand rupees.”
Forming a Productive Group with Bank Sakhi
As Ratan Bai’s economic situation improved, the mission appointed her a Bank Sakhi, helping other women manage their finances. She also became a Community Resource Person (CRP), further extending her support to other women.
Ratan Solanki shares, “With the help and loans from the mission, our financial condition improved. Due to our hard work, women could benefit from banking under MPGB. I joined the Dilwara Village Organization and the Salkanpur Shri Ganesh Women’s Cluster Organization. We formed a Saraswati Producer Group with 15 women. We started buying produce from small farmers and selling it in bulk, which led to higher profits.”
Empowering Women and Enhancing Income
The mission recognized the group’s continuous hard work and granted them the opportunity to run a fair-price cooperative society. Additionally, they took advantage of various schemes, further boosting their income.
Ratan Solanki’s efforts didn’t go unnoticed. Her story of self-reliance forged through hard work and determination, became a model for others in the small village of Tirla. Her dedication and leadership inspired the formation of other groups, promoting economic independence and empowerment among women in the region.
The Journey to Self-Reliance
Ratan Bai Solanki’s journey from financial struggle to economic independence is a testament to the power of self-help groups and community support. Her story shows how small beginnings can lead to substantial growth and prosperity when nurtured with the right resources and determination.
In a region where many still struggle with economic instability, Ratan’s transformation has uplifted her family and set an example for others to follow. The Saraswati Producer Group, now a thriving collective of 15 women, continues to support local farmers and enhance their livelihoods.
Through sheer grit and the support of her community, Ratan Bai Solanki has demonstrated that with the right opportunities and relentless effort, one can overcome adversity and achieve remarkable success. Her story inspires and motivates others, proving that sustainable development and self-reliance are within reach for anyone willing to work for it.
Ratan Bai Solanki’s journey is a shining example of how community-driven initiatives and self-help groups can transform lives. From struggling to make ends meet to becoming a beacon of hope and empowerment in her village, Ratan’s story is a powerful reminder that change is possible, no matter how humble the beginnings. Her story is a model of self-reliance and community spirit, encouraging others to take charge of their destinies and build a brighter future.
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.
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