Ujala Producer Group members achieve a new identity through collective farming, earn Rs 6 lakh through direct wholesale sales
Raipur, September 2026: Moving away from traditional farming and adopting modern and scientific methods of vegetable cultivation, several farmers have scripted new stories of success through their hard work and innovative approach. Among them are women associated with the National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM) ‘Bihan’ in Risora Gram Panchayat, who have set an inspiring example of collective farming. Once struggling to make ends meet, these women are now earning lakhs of rupees through agriculture.
In Risora Gram Panchayat of Barmkela development block in Sarangarh-Bilaigarh district of Chhattisgarh, women associated with ‘Bihan’ have demonstrated a new model of self-reliance through collective farming. By cultivating vegetables such as tomatoes, brinjals, bottle gourds, bitter gourds and cucumbers even on small plots of land, farmers are earning several times more profit per bigha or acre. The 35 women farmers associated with the Ujala Producer Group came together not only to reduce cultivation costs but also achieved a record production of 600 quintals of vegetables, generating an income of around Rs 6 lakh.
Initial Capital of Rs 2 Lakh Opens New Opportunities
The group, formed in 2025, was established with the objective of increasing production through collective efforts and finding better markets for agricultural produce. To promote livelihood activities, the group received a startup fund of Rs 50,000 from the cluster and a loan of Rs 1.5 lakh from Sakhi Cluster Organisation, Budeli, taking the total initial capital to Rs 2 lakh.
With this capital, the women adopted scientific farming techniques and began cultivating bottle gourd, bitter gourd and cucumber in their fields.
Bumper Production of 600 Quintals of Vegetables
The women's hard work and adoption of modern agricultural techniques resulted in impressive yields. As savings from vegetable cultivation began to increase, their confidence also grew. They gradually expanded the area under cultivation, which further boosted production.
Through collective farming, the women produced 250 quintals of bottle gourd, 250 quintals of bitter gourd and 100 quintals of cucumber, taking their total vegetable production to 600 quintals.
Freedom from Middlemen, Direct Access to Wholesale Markets
A key factor behind the group's success has been its effective marketing strategy. Instead of depending on middlemen, the women directly transported their produce to wholesale markets. This enabled them to receive better prices for their crops and helped increase their total income to around Rs 6 lakh.
Good Governance and Ground-Level Monitoring Make a Difference
Under the leadership of Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai, the Chhattisgarh government has been continuously working through the Bihan scheme to economically empower rural women and strengthen the rural economy.
Effective implementation by the district administration, field-level guidance and continuous monitoring have ensured that the benefits of government schemes reach beneficiaries directly. As a result, rural women are creating new opportunities for themselves in the field of self-employment and setting inspiring examples of economic independence.
