‘Agriculture Development Day’ was celebrated in Gujarat on the service year of Prime Minister Modi. Through the ‘Apanu Dang, Prakritik Dang’ campaign, women like Mangiben achieved self-reliance through organic Nagli farming and became an example of rural development.
Gandhinagar. The state of Gujarat is celebrating Vikas Week from 7 to 15 October to commemorate the completion of 24 years of service and dedication of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi on 7 October 2025. On this occasion, October 14 will be celebrated as ‘Agriculture Development Day’. Prime Minister Modi has always inspired farmers to adopt natural farming, as a result of which today farmers of Gujarat are earning better profits from sustainable farming practices. Under the leadership of Chief Minister Shri Bhupendra Patel, the state is making remarkable progress in the field of natural farming.
‘Apanu Dang, Prakritik Dang’ campaign changed the lives of tribal farmers
When it comes to natural farming, the name of ‘Apanu Dang, Prakriti Dang’ campaign automatically comes to mind. This campaign started in the year 2021, when Dang district was declared a completely chemical-free natural farming district. This initiative has brought a big change in the lives of tribal farmers. Mangiben of Dhavalidod village of Ahwa tehsil has emerged as a symbol of this change. By adopting natural farming, she not only increased her income but also became an inspiration for others as ‘Lakhpati Didi’.
Dang’s Mangiben starts new venture with Srianna Nagali
Mangiben’s journey to success is full of courage and hard work. A field coordinator under Mission Mangalam (NRLM) inspired her to join a Self-Help Group (SHG). Understanding the nutritional value and market potential of the local grain – Nagali (Ragi) grown in the Dang region, he started processing it. Mangiben, along with the women of her group, started making flour, laddus, cookies and other healthy products from Nagali.
Mangiben’s journey from agricultural laborer to successful entrepreneur
Before joining the self-help group, Mangiben worked as a seasonal agricultural laborer under MNREGA. But he received free training in grain processing from Rural Self-Employment Training Institute (RSETI). This training changed the direction of his life. When Dangs was declared a natural farming district, Mangiben also started organic nagli cultivation. This increased both the nutritional value and market value of their products.
Progress from sales of Rs 15,000 in the first month to Rs 60,000 per month
Mangiben, at the very beginning of his business, sold products worth Rs 15,000 in the first month. After this he added 10 more women to his group. Today his unit sells Nagali products worth around Rs 60,000 per month and earns him a monthly income of around Rs 20,000. With the help of the government, they participate in various exhibitions and fairs, which have given a large market to their products. Besides, they have also got the benefit of branding and promotion under the National Mission for Natural Farming.
Story of Lakhpati Didi – Example of women empowerment
Mangiben’s transformation from an agricultural laborer to a successful entrepreneur is proof that natural farming can not only increase the income of farmers but can also make rural women self-reliant. Her story also strengthens the ‘Lakhpati Didi’ initiative, which has become a medium to provide regular employment and economic independence to women. This model represents a powerful example of the use of local resources, community collaboration and sustainable development.
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