Pravesh Kumari of Jhansi has set an example of self-reliance by setting up an animal feed unit powered by solar energy. This provided them income as well as employment to the village women and provided cheap, nutritious fodder to the cattle herders.
Lucknow. The land of Bundelkhand is now being recognized not only for bravery and history but also for women entrepreneurship. Pravesh Kumari of Jhansi has achieved that position by setting up an animal feed manufacturing unit, which has today become an inspiration for lakhs of women of the state.
Fulfilling Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s vision of ‘self-reliant Uttar Pradesh’, Pravesh Kumari started a solar energy based high quality animal feed unit. With this initiative, she not only became financially independent, but was also successful in providing employment to other women of the village.
Solar powered eco-friendly fodder unit
The biggest feature of this unit is that it is eco-friendly. Established in collaboration with Yogi Government and Development Alternatives (DA), this unit operates entirely on 18 kW solar power system.
Due to the use of solar energy, the electricity cost has become almost zero, due to which the production cost of fodder remains low. Its direct benefit is getting to the local cattle farmers, who are getting cheap and nutritious animal fodder. This has improved the health of animals and also increased milk production capacity.
Employment and economic independence for local women
Through this venture, Pravesh Kumari is today earning an income of around Rs 25,000 per month. Along with this, his startup has also brought positive changes in the social and economic structure of the village. By joining the unit, many women of the village are getting permanent employment and regular income. Due to this, they have become financially empowered and are able to fulfill the responsibilities of their family in a better way.
Complete responsibility from production to quality control
In this unit high quality animal feed is prepared with the help of modern machines and standardized technologies. Production and supply is ensured as per the demand of the local market. Pravesh Kumari is not only an entrepreneur but also an efficient manager. They handle the entire responsibility of raw material procurement, production planning, quality control, financial accounting and sales. Due to his discipline and active working style, his brand ‘Gomata Cattle Feed’ has received honors and awards many times.
Journey from small effort to successful business
This venture started as a small endeavor. The guidance of Uttar Pradesh National Rural Livelihood Mission (UPNRLM) and Development Alternatives turned this initiative into a successful business. Today the women of the village are working together in this unit and through collective efforts are setting an example of self-reliance.
The beginning was small, but with the right guidance and hard work it became a strong business.
– Pravesh Kumari, female entrepreneur