Story of a successful entrepreneur who have overcome economic difficulties
“I have dreams of growing my business to a much larger scale. I also want to support and guide other women in difficult situations, so that they don’t have to struggle as much as I had to.” Sangita Askule says about her future plans.
Here is the journey of how Sangita overcame economic difficulties and is now known as a successful entrepreneur in her area! Sangita and her husband used to own a spice or ‘masala’ shop in Kallam town, Osmanabad district. Due to personal circumstances, they closed the shop and moved back to Gaur village 3 years back. An unstable income through farming of basic food grains and cash crops pushed Sangita to join a Self Help Group in her village.
She learnt about SSP’s work and became associated with it in mid-2018 and received training on Women-led Climate Resilient Farming (one-acre farming) model. Sangita received a loan from SSP and planted tomatoes, chilly, onion, lady finger, cabbage in her four acre land. A surplus of produce kick started the vegetable business, as Sangita had enough to feed her family as well as sell in the village.
Sangita joined a farmer producer group of organic vegetable farmers, called Savtamali vegetable producer group, around 6 months back. Well-known for the quality of her organic vegetables, Sangita handles local marketing by selling it to villagers from her home and at the weekly market.
Over the past 2 years, she has successfully grown her business and diversified into poultry and goat rearing. Having become a successful entrepreneur, Sangita supports other women in starting their own businesses. Her in-laws were so pleased with her work that they urged their other daughter-in-law to join SSP too!
Swayam Shikshan Prayog
20th November, 2021