Sunita Kumbhar did not begin with opportunities-she began with responsibility.
In Kumbhari village of Dharashiv district, Maharashtra, her life took shape around early marriage, unfinished education, and the daily struggle to support her family. Alongside her husband, she worked as an agricultural labourer for years, despite owning 2.5 acres of land that remained underutilized due to lack of resources, knowledge, and confidence. With children’s education expenses rising, the pressure to make ends meet only grew stronger.
Everything began to change in 2022, when Sunita connected with Swayam Shikshan Prayog (SSP) through other women in her village. Through SSP’s one-acre sustainable farming model, she gained practical training in multi-cropping, organic farming, and low-cost techniques. What followed was not just a shift in farming methods, but a shift in mindset.
Sunita gradually transformed her land into a productive, chemical-free farm. She reduced input costs, improved soil health, and increased yields. At the same time, she expanded her livelihood through dairy farming, poultry, goat rearing, and mulberry cultivation-creating multiple sources of income. With support from her Self-Help Group and access to interest-free loans, she strengthened her financial stability step by step.
Today, Sunita is not only securing her family’s future with better food security, stable income, and education for her children, but also emerging as a village-level leader and a member of the Vijayalaxmi Sakhi Producer Company. She shares her knowledge with other women, encouraging them to adopt sustainable practices and work collectively.
“I told myself-if anyone can change my life, it’s me. I won’t give up.”Sunita’s journey is a reminder that change begins the moment we decide to take charge.
Swayam Shikshan Prayog
31 March, 2026