Meet Bihar’s 73-year-old Rajkumari Devi, leading women’s empowerment through agriculture and enterprise

Saraiya (Bihar): Rajkumari Devi, affectionately known as ‘Kisan Chachi’, is a true pioneer at 73. Hailing from Saraiya in Bihar, she's not just a farmer but a trailblazer for women, whose commitment to sustainable agriculture and entrepreneurship earned her the prestigious Padma Shri in 2019.

Kisan Chachi's mission began soon after her marriage when she started forming self-help groups (SHGs). Her goal was to promote sustainable farming techniques, thereby providing much-needed employment and stability to numerous struggling families. This dedication was noted by the Bihar government, which conferred upon her the title of 'Kisan Shri' for her outstanding work in organic and sustainable farming.

Training the next generation of farmers

Rajkumari Devi’s influence expanded significantly after receiving the state recognition. She was tasked with sharing her expertise across the region.

Rajkumari Devi, Padma Shri recipient, says that "When I was conferred the 'Kisan Shri' title, the government asked me to visit various panchayats and train farmers on modern and organic farming techniques. I conducted training sessions in the villages I was assigned to. In 2002, I made a SHG (Self Help Group). There were 36 SHGs in all, and we trained around 360 women in Krishi Vigyan Kendras. Each woman was placed into a group based on her work category and area of expertise."

The pickle Initiative

In the 1990s, Rajkumari Devi began introducing scientific methods to traditional farming. At the turn of the century, she expanded her initiative, quite literally adding a dash of spice by venturing into pickle-making. What began as a humble, home-based effort has since transformed into a recognised household name.

A great moment of encouragement came in 2013 from the then Chief Minister of Gujarat, Narendra Modi, which inspired her to continue her mission with renewed vigour.

"During that time, I learnt how to make pickles, and along with that jams, jellies, murabba, sattu, papad and other food items. Our entire team of women received training. In 2013, the Prime Minister invited me; at that time, he was the Chief Minister of Gujarat. There was a Panchayat event held at Gandhi Maidan in 2013, where he spoke to me for about half an hour. He discussed how I make pickles and how the women of Bihar work and appreciated our efforts." She added.

Empowering women through enterprise

For the women working alongside Rajkumari Devi, the pickle-making unit is far more than a workplace; it's a place where they have found confidence, independence and success.

According to a worker, "Many women come here and work together in one place. They prepare pickles of whatever is in season: mango, gooseberries, karonda (natal plum), jackfruit, and lemon. Green chilli is available through the year, so we make green chilli pickles continuously. This way, there's always work to do."

Meanwhile another worker adds that "We've learned how to make pickles. When Chachi progresses, it creates work for us too. We come from poor families, and working with her gives us some income; it feels good."

From the agricultural fields of Bihar to the kitchens across India, Kisan Chachi has created sustainable livelihoods and changed the lives of hundreds of women. Her incredible journey sets a strong precedent for others to follow and is a brilliant example of what hard work and creativity can accomplish.

PTI