Success Of An Enterprising Women’s Group

In the districts of Chitwan and Gorkha, women actively pursue economic independence through a variety of farming endeavours. Through the creation of farmer groups, these women are managing lucrative agriculture and livestock firms that not only give them financial security but also provide inspiration to others. The 'Lalupate Koshish Mahila Krishak Samuha' in Chitwan, which is run by 20 women, is one such inspiring organisation. The group's secretary, Rupa Dawadi, initially set off on her expedition with only six goats. She currently successfully raises 14 goats after taking a goat farming training course. She gained knowledge from the course about how to treat goats medically and how much feed to give them. Rupa said that the training session made goat rearing much easier for her and her group members, who also benefited from the course.

In Gorkha, Prithvi Maya Gurung from the 'Lagansheel Koshish Mahila Krishak Samuha' has established great success in flower farming. The group, consisting of 19 women, started a flower garden five months ago on leased land. They underwent training sessions on flower gardening, watering techniques, constructing tunnels, and preparing nursery beds for flower seedlings. These efforts have paid off, as the group earned an impressive Rs. 17,000 in just two months by selling flowers produced from their garden. The demand for their flowers is increasing rapidly, and they are now faced with the challenge of limited land and water resources. Undeterred, the group plans to expand its flower garden to meet the rising demand. Flowers produced by the group are sold in the Manakamana Temple area. Prithvi Maya is encouraged by the income generated from flower sales, as it not only supports her household expenses but also inspires her to provide education for her children.

Meanwhile, the 'Gairigaun Mahila Koshish Krishak Samuha' in Chitwan has focused on vegetable farming. The group has successfully cultivated vegetables such as ladyfinger and bitter gourd on four kattas of leased land. By selling these vegetables, they have generated an impressive income of Rs. 40,000. Shanti Bastola, a group member, expressed how training has made a significant difference in their farming practises. They have learned valuable skills such as proper fertiliser usage and effective vegetable care. Additionally, the group has established a financial mechanism within their organisation where they collect Rs. 100 per month as membership fees. This fund allows members to access loans at a low interest rate of one percent, which can be used for household expenses and entrepreneurial endeavours. The group is now planning to expand its vegetable farming and further improve its livelihoods.

Another, Dil Kumari Nepali of Gamthale in Shahid Lakhan Rural Municipality, has successfully reared 15 goats after undergoing a 15-day training programme. She learned important lessons such as not mixing sick and healthy goats and maintaining cleanliness in the goat barn. Dil Kumari has been able to cover her son's educational fees and household expenses through the sale of three Billy goats. Similarly, Maya Gurung from Gandaki Rural Municipality-1, a member of 'Devimai Koshish Mahila Krishak Samuha,' has managed to rear 27 goats. She supports her household expenses through goat raising and has also ventured into orange farming. These success stories reflect the formation of multiple women's agricultural groups, engaging in various farming activities and training sessions to achieve economic prosperity and independence.

The Association for Dalit Women's Advancement of Nepal (ADWAN) has played a vital role in supporting these women. ADWAN has organised 15-day training sessions on flower gardening and goat rearing, providing the necessary equipment and even insuring livestock. Through their efforts, the women have been able to enhance their skills and expand their businesses. The groups have also received financial assistance from ADWAN, resulting in substantial savings. For example, the 'Lalupate Koshish Mahila Krishak Samuha' has saved Rs. 124,000, which includes amounts provided by ADWAN as transportation fare and funds saved from training sessions.

Women's participation in agriculture has an impact that extends beyond their own achievements and affects society as a whole. The locals have noticed the uplifting message that these women's groups are spreading, which promotes independence and encourages others to imitate it. Ramesh Babu Thapa, chairman of Shahid Lakhan Rural Municipality understands the value of empowering women in order to fight gender discrimination and build a more just society.

In conclusion, the women of Chitwan and Gorkha districts are dismantling stereotypes and achieving economic independence through farming. Their involvement in goat farming, flower farming, and vegetable farming has not only benefited their livelihoods but also given them more influence within their communities. These women are establishing an example of independence and motivating others to pursue economic prosperity and independence through training, assistance, and group initiatives. Their success stories serve as a powerful example of the transforming potential of women's entrepreneurship and its beneficial effects on both individuals and society at large.

(The author is a journalist at RSS.)