women develop their own brands of Sonachur and Kalanamak rice
She learnt about the ‘Aajeevika Mission’ and in 2012, formed the ‘Maa Vindhyavasini Mahila Swayam Sahayata Samuh’ (Women’s Self-Help Group) with them. Building on this momentum, she set up a Farmer Producer Company (FPC) for women farmers in 2022. Now, Rajkumari serves as a director of this company, which has achieved a turnover of Rs 2.21 crore to date. Shama Singh, Deputy Commissioner (National Rural Livelihood Mission) said that there are nine Farmer Producer Companies in the district, involving over 4,000 rural women. The company’s CEO, Anoop Tiwari, pointed out that there are currently 894 women working across various sectors within the company.
Despite living in a rural setting, Rajkumari—who holds an MA in Sanskrit—did not lose heart. In Prayagraj district, the ‘Maa Vindhyavasini Prerna Producer Company’ has become a shining example of the dedication and spirit of rural women farmers. Among them, the Maa Vindhyavasini Prerna Producer Company has carved out a unique niche for itself. Initially, these women began by supplying fertilizers, pesticides, and animal feed and later started producing and selling bio-fertilizers.
Women Entrepreneurs Drive Local Bio-Fertilizer and Rice Brand Development
Women in the region have initiated a cattle-rearing program at home, which has led to the establishment of a bio-fertilizer plant utilizing cattle dung. This venture has expanded into bio-fertilizer packaging and sales, marking a significant development in local agricultural practices. The company has launched its own rice brands, Sonachur and Kalanamak, sourcing paddy directly from local farmers who cultivate these specific varieties. The process includes rice production, packaging, and distribution to market, thereby supporting both local agriculture and entrepreneurship.