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• Empowerment of women in Vidarbha
• A true driving force in the dairy sector
• Incorporation of Induja Mahila MPC from Vidarbha, Maharashtra

Women Dairy Farming : Many women wake up early in the morning before the sun rises. These women are engaged in work such as weeding, feeding and checking the health of the cattle. The same scene can be seen every morning in the village. Almost 70 percent of the total work that keeps the rural dairy system running is done by women.

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A true driving force in the dairy sector

These women are a real driving force in the dairy sector, yet support to them needs to be strengthened to improve their financial independence and decision-making capacity. Better access to markets, loans, bank accounts and insurance in their own names can significantly improve their financial stability. Also, it is equally important to address the knowledge gap, imparting important training on livestock management, modern veterinary services and fodder management to women in need.

Incorporation of Induja Mahila MPC from Vidarbha, Maharashtra

To address this long-standing gap, Tata Trusts initiated the establishment of the Dairy Health and Nutrition Initiative India Foundation (DHANII) under the Tata Dairy Mission. DHANII has been set up to increase the income of smallholder milk producers and strengthen farmer-owned milk producer companies, including Induja Mahila MPC in Vidarbha, Maharashtra.

Radical changes in women’s lives

Such initiatives have radically changed the lives of thousands of women. A good example of this is B.A., a resident of Murali village in Yavatmal district of Vidarbha. Graduate Bharti Pawan Nikam. Bharti started her dairy business with just 2 liters of milk a day. It was a big strain to support a family of four including husband, son and daughter. When the Induja women joined the MPC, they received training in subjects such as improved livestock management, balanced diet and veterinary services. With proper guidance, he gradually expanded his dairy business. Today they have 4 buffaloes, 1 cow and 5 cows and are producing 9 liters of milk per day. This turned out to be a turning point for their livelihood and the family’s financial stability. Her journey from a struggling farmer to a confident dairy entrepreneur shows that women’s determination can transform rural livelihoods.

Alfia Maitapkha Pathan is a good example of empowerment

Another example of empowerment is Alfia Maitapkha Pathan of Ghandari village. He ventured into the field with limited knowledge of dairy farming and few resources, having only an education up to class IX. Initially, they used to collect only 3 liters of milk a day. She used to work hard to provide stability to her family of five. After joining Induja Mahila MPC, she enthusiastically participated in training on animal nutrition, health and clean milking practices. He raised his animals with growing confidence. Today they have 6 milch buffaloes, 3 bakad buffaloes and 1 bakad cow. With this they have laid the foundation of a sustainable dairy business and their milk production has now reached 10 liters per day.

Stories like Bharti’s and Alfia’s highlight the fact that the real success of this change is not measured in liters of milk, but in the power of empowerment it creates. Both these women have strengthened their commitment to the cooperative model by investing in equity. They have been steadily contributing to the business from their village, transforming a very simple beginning into a lucrative livelihood. Her journey from a struggling farmer woman to a confident dairy entrepreneur proves that when women’s determination is supported by competent institutions, the entire picture of rural livelihoods can change.

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