๐ ๐ซ๐จ๐ฆ ๐๐ง๐ฎ๐ฌ๐๐ ๐๐๐ง๐ ๐ญ๐จ ๐ ๐๐๐ฐ ๐๐จ๐ฎ๐ซ๐๐ ๐จ๐ ๐๐ง๐๐จ๐ฆ๐
For years, the land near Sarita Kumariโs home in Amethi village, Gaya, Bihar, remained unused between the Kharif and Rabi seasons. For Sarita, 40, life was largely centred around her familyโs small farming and daily wage work. With limited opportunities to earn an income of her own, she dreamed of building a better future for her children.
Her turning point came in January 2025, when Sarita attended a village-level meeting facilitated by Swayam Shikshan Prayog (SSP). There, she learned about Women-led Climate Resilient Farming (WCRF), sustainable agriculture and womenโs leadership.
Inspired by what she learned, Sarita decided to try mixed vegetable cultivation on the unused land near her home. Convincing her family was not easy, but with her determination and continuous guidance from SSP, she received their support.
She strengthened her skills through SSPโs capacity-building programmes and technical training from Krishi Vigyan Kendra and Rural Self Employment Training Institute (RSETI). Soon, the once uncultivated land began producing okra, bottle gourd, sponge gourd, bitter gourd, cucumber, brinjal, tomato, carrot and other seasonal vegetables.
The first harvest brought Sarita around โน12,000 in income.
More than the money, the experience changed how her family and community saw her. She gained confidence, respect and a stronger voice in farming decisions. She also began recommending improved paddy practices within her family.
Her journey did not stop with her own farm. Inspired by her experience, eight women in her village have been motivated to take up vegetable and climate-resilient farming.
โA small piece of land gave me a new identity, confidence, and hope for my children’s future.โ
Swayam Shikshan Prayog
13 August, 2026
