A Humble Beginning With Just Five Kilograms
In the Pratapgarh district of Uttar Pradesh, a remarkable tale of grassroots resilience and women's empowerment is unfolding. What started as a modest experiment with barely five kilograms of amla murabba by two friends has now transformed into a thriving cottage industry. This inspiring journey proves that unwavering determination can overcome even the harshest financial constraints.
Kamlesh Kumari and her close friend Sushma, residents of Devgarh Kamasin village in the Lalganj tehsil, laid the foundation of this success story. Lacking substantial capital or corporate backing, the duo relied entirely on their grit and the region's abundant amla production to carve out a path toward financial independence.
The Turning Point Through BAIF Foundation
Before launching their own venture, both women worked with the BAIF Development Research Foundation, an organization dedicated to livestock development and farmers' welfare. This exposure provided them with deep insights into rural economics and community challenges.
Working there inspired them to build something of their own that could uplift not just themselves, but other village women as well. Despite initial skepticism and a lack of support from fellow villagers, they persevered and approached the Gaura block office to formally register their initiative.
Formation of Savitri Bai Phule Self-Help Group
In July 2020, amidst pandemic-related uncertainties, they established the Savitri Bai Phule Self-Help Group. Kamlesh took charge as the president, while Sushma assumed the role of secretary. By 2021, the group secured a modest government loan of 110,000 rupees, which was distributed equally among ten women to kickstart various micro-enterprises ranging from dairy and tailoring to handicrafts.
Scaling Up Production With Modern Machinery
While other members engaged in sewing and livestock, Kamlesh and Sushma focused on amla processing. Reinvesting their savings, they purchased an amla barfi making machine for 80,000 rupees and a juice extractor for 27,000 rupees from Kanpur. Today, they produce a wide variety of items including amla candy, juice, pickles, and murabba, significantly boosting their household incomes.
National Recognition Through Mann Ki Baat
The turning point in their journey arrived when Prime Minister Narendra Modi commended the efforts of the Savitri Bai Phule Self-Help Group during his popular radio address 'Mann Ki Baat'. This national recognition brought immense pride and visibility to the women, cementing their status as true agents of change in rural Uttar Pradesh.
