Mangiben from Dang becomes lakhpati didi through natural farming

As part of Vikas Saptah, being observed from October 7 to 15 to commemorate 24 years since Prime Minister Narendra Modi first took oath as Gujarat’s Chief Minister, October 14 is being celebrated as Krushi Vikas Divas, a day dedicated to recognising and advancing agricultural development across the state.One such inspiring story emerging from Gujarat’s agricultural success is that of Mangiben Khas from Dhawalidod village in Ahwa taluka of Dang district, who has become a “Lakhpati Didi” through natural farming. Her journey is a testament to how sustainable agricultural practices can transform rural livelihoods and empower women.

Under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, Gujarat has made notable progress in promoting natural farming. Through the Our Dang, Natural Dang campaign, the forest-rich Dang district was declared a fully chemical-free farming district in 2021. This initiative has not only improved soil health and biodiversity but has also opened new income opportunities for tribal farmers like Mangiben.Mangiben’s transformation began when field coordinators under Mission Mangalam (NRLM) encouraged her to join a Self-Help Group (SHG). Living in a region abundant with forest produce, bamboo, and traditional grains, she identified Nagli (finger millet or Shri Anna) as a crop with both nutritional and commercial value. With support from her SHG and local training initiatives, she decided to focus on Nagli cultivation and value addition.
Before joining the SHG, Mangiben worked as a seasonal labourer and participated in MNREGA projects. Her turning point came when she received free training in millet processing from the Rural Self-Employment Training Institute (RSETI). The training enabled her to learn how to process and produce Nagli-based products such as flour, laddus, cookies, and health mixes. The skills she gained not only gave her financial independence but also instilled confidence to start her own small business.When Dang was declared a chemical-free farming district, Mangiben adopted fully organic cultivation methods. She began using compost and natural soil enhancers instead of chemical fertilisers, which preserved the soil’s fertility and improved the quality and market appeal of her produce.

In her first month, Mangiben earned Rs15,000 through sales of Nagli-based products. Encouraged by the growing demand, she expanded her unit and brought 10 more women from her SHG into the enterprise. Today, her production unit manufactures and sells Nagli products worth up to Rs60,000 per month, providing her with a steady monthly income of Rs20,000.Beyond earning a livelihood, Mangiben has become a job creator for other rural women. With government assistance, she participates in agricultural fairs and exhibitions to promote her brand under the Natural Farming Mission. Her products have also gained visibility through various state-led marketing and branding initiatives.Mangiben’s success story reflects the essence of the Lakhpati Didi initiative, which aims to empower rural women through sustainable livelihoods. Her journey from a daily wage labourer to a successful entrepreneur illustrates how the integration of natural farming, skill training, and community participation can drive inclusive development in tribal areas.As Krushi Vikas Divas highlights Gujarat’s progress in agriculture, stories like Mangiben’s underscore the potential of natural farming to create resilient, self-reliant, and empowered rural communities rooted in sustainability and innovation.

(State Correspondent)