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News Topical, Digital Desk : Suman Devi, once the daughter-in-law of a small-holding farmer, is now known throughout Varanasi as "Krishi Sakhi." Through Mission Shakti, Suman Devi has become an inspiration for women across the state and is writing a new story of women's safety, respect, and self-reliance.
Suman, a resident of Madiya village in the Sevapuri block of Varanasi district, has not only strengthened her family financially with the help of the Yogi government, but has also shown a new path towards self-reliance for thousands of women. After receiving coarse grain seeds and technical support from the Yogi government, Suman chose the path of natural farming in 2019, and today she has become an example throughout the state.
She earns this much in two and a half acres during the season.
Under the leadership of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, the state government is providing seeds and technical assistance to farmers to promote coarse grains. Inspired by this, Suman Devi changed her farming methods and adopted natural farming. Suman Devi began cultivating coarse grains like maize, millet, and rye using natural methods on her two and a half acres of land.
The Yogi government's support kept farming costs low and profits far exceeded expectations. Now, Suman earns a profit of over three lakh rupees each season. She proudly states, "The Yogi government's support and knowledge of its schemes have changed my life. Previously, I couldn't have imagined such a substantial income from such a small piece of land."
Krishi Sakhi has a strong network among women
Inspired by Suman Devi's success, over 5,000 women in the surrounding area joined her through self-help groups. These women now sell their grains and vegetables through Suman.
Packaging, processing, and marketing are also done collectively. This model has opened the way for economic independence and collective entrepreneurship for rural women.
Suman established a grinding mill unit in the village
Suman has set up a milling unit in her village. Milled grains are milled here to produce multigrain flour. This flour is available in both loose and packaged forms, depending on customer demand. While this product sells out quickly in the local market, many customers are also liking its packaging. "I have a large customer base," Suman says.
The product is so popular that agricultural land is often insufficient. The grain is sold immediately each season. Recently, corn was cultivated, and now rye is being sown. Once the grain is ready, it is made available in the market as multigrain flour along with many other grains.
She says most customers in the area buy flour from the mill itself. Demand has increased due to the government's promotion of coarse grain cultivation and its health benefits.
Suman does this work along with farming.
Suman Devi isn't limited to just coarse grains. She also rears cattle, providing an additional source of income through milk and dairy products. In addition, she has also started growing natural vegetables in collaboration with women from self-help groups. This mixed model not only generates a steady income but also spreads the message of "healthy food, clean farming" to rural communities.
Suman Devi's family consists of her mother-in-law, husband, and two children. Her husband, Dharmendra Singh, is an employee at the Panchayat Bhawan and also helps with farming. Together, the entire family has made farming a strong source of livelihood.
Suman says, "The Yogi government's schemes gave me courage. Today, I am not only providing well for my family, but also showing thousands of women in the village the path to self-reliance."
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