Mahadevi Jadhav, from Karajgaon village in Latur, Maharashtra, is a young leader and entrepreneur, who is successfully operating a ‘Laxmi Dairy’ that benefits over 190 other women farmers in her community.
As a member of one of the SHGs in the village, she was invited to attend a meeting introducing SSP’s work to the community. On learning about the organization, Mahadevi tai was curious about the trainings being offered and keen to gain knowledge and learn some new skills. In 2020, she first began to attend trainings on the one-acre farming model, entrepreneurship development and livelihoods diversification.
With new capacities and a basic understanding of how to operate a small-scale business, Mahadevi tai was enthused to start her own operation. With the local dairy underpaying farmers, and a majority of villagers owning cows and buffalos, she saw the opportunity for a business that would be sustainable and also benefit the community. With the support of SSP, Mahadevi tai set up and started operating the ‘Laxmi Dairy’ in mid-2020.
When Mahadevi tai started the center, she faced many challenges. Her family was skeptical of her efforts and she received very few customers in the beginning. However, with the support of other women leaders, she soon learnt how to mobilise women farmers and other community members by conducting household visits and explaining the benefits of the Laxmi Dairy to them. Her efforts began to pay off, and soon she was able to successfully operate the business. Seeing her success, her husband began to support and assist her in running the collection center. Today, Mahadevi tai’s milk collection center has over 190 customers, with over 70 customers selling their milk to her on a daily basis.
With the dairy business running well, Mahadevi tai decided to start rearing cows at her home, which would earn the family more money. Starting with one cow in 2020, she now has eight cows that she raises at home. She has also laid out vermin compost beds, where she develops manure from the cow dung and uses it in her 3 acre farm to improve crop yields. Today, Mahadevi tai earns an income of around Rs. 25000 per month from her dairy business.
”Before I started my dairy business, nobody knew me in the village. Now I have received recognition and respect from the community as they see my business as benefiting the village. As a leader, I support other women, who come to me with their queries and problems, says Mahadevi tai.
Swayam Shikshan Prayog
January 31, 2023