𝐆𝐞𝐞𝐭𝐡𝐚 𝐆𝐨𝐩𝐚𝐥𝐚𝐧, Kallamvetty village in Kottathara, Wayanad district, Kerala

𝐀 𝐒𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐆𝐫𝐨𝐰𝐭𝐡

Geetha Gopalan, a landless woman from Kallamvetty village in Kottathara, Wayanad, has redefined her life through sustainable farming. Once an agricultural laborer, she has now created a flourishing chemical-free garden featuring over 10 varieties of vegetables, including bitter gourd, tomatoes, spinach, and brinjal.

With training from SSP’s Women-Led Climate Resilient Farming program, Geetha mastered crop planning, pest management, and weather adaptation. Her dedication led her to join a local seed exchange, diversifying her garden and ensuring nutritious, home-grown food year-round.

Her efforts not only reduced her family’s dependence on market-bought vegetables but also saved ₹500 each month—demonstrating that sustainability truly pays off! Geetha now harvests an impressive 5 kg of fresh produce every month without a single drop of chemical fertilisers or pesticides.

She primarily focused on cultivating indigenous seeds and utilized kitchen waste, weeds, and dry leaves to prepare compost. To manage pests, she relied on natural solutions like tobacco emulsion and cow urine. Her unwavering determination ensured that her garden remained completely chemical-free.

Through her journey, Geetha embraced empowerment, livelihood, and food security—the core principles of SSP’s WCRF model. Today, she is an inspiration, proving that knowledge and determination can spark transformation.

“Farming taught me that we can nourish our families and our land while protecting nature.” – Geetha Gopalan

Let’s celebrate women like Geetha who are driving change from the grassroots!

Swayam Shikshan Prayog
December 24, 2024