In a world where women still face gender bias and are often underestimated, the story of Rajkumari Devi, popularly known as “Kisan Chachi”, serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration. Hailing from a small village in Bihar, Rajkumari Devi faced numerous challenges and resistance when she decided to take up farming on her own. Kisan Chachi’s story is a shining example of how women’s empowerment can lead to social and economic progress, and how every woman has the potential to achieve greatness with the right opportunities and support.
Early life
Rajkumari Devi was born in Saraiya village of Muzaffarpur, Bihar in a poor family. She wanted to become a teacher, but due to poverty, but she was forced to marry Awadhesh Kumar Chaudhary of Anandpur village, who belonged to a farming family, early because of poverty.
Challenges
She completed her education after marriage. She never thought that education was not available to married women. After marriage, she completed her education by fighting with her in-laws. Rajkumari Devi faced several challenges in her journey towards becoming a successful farmer and entrepreneur. After her marriage, she had to face a difficult financial situation. Rajkumari Devi decided to take up farming to support herself and her family and trained at Dr Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University. She faced ridicule and ostracism from her community, which did not believe that a woman could be successful in this field.
Self-Helping Groups
After getting married, she joined numerous self-help groups and discovered how these SHGs function in practice. She started her group to assist the community around her, and with the help of these SHGs, she was able to provide employment and earnings for numerous low-income families.
Kisan Chachi brand
Rajkumari began cultivating vegetables, fruits, trees, and shrubs on her land after learning the basics of farming. In contrast to other farmers who sell their products straight to the market, Rajkumari saw an opportunity to launch her brand. She used her farm’s produce to make handmade pickles, jams, and jellies by employing her expertise.
The Journey to Success
As sales increased and her business grew, Rajkumari travelled from village to village, meeting and promoting women on bicycles, earning her the name ‘Bicycle Chachi’. She shared her knowledge with other women and encouraged them to take up farming. Despite facing resistance, she continued to ride her bicycle and spread awareness about new technologies and farming techniques. Today, Rajkumari offers 23 different jams and pickles in major cities like Delhi and Mumbai. Around 300 women’s self-help groups were formed under her leadership.
Achievements
Rajkumari Devi has achieved several notable accomplishments through her hard work and dedication. She has been recognised for her achievements both nationally and internationally.
In 2006-07, she was awarded the “Kisan Shree” for her innovative business techniques. In 2020, she was also honoured with the prestigious Padma Shri award, the fourth-highest civilian award in India. This award was given to her in recognition of her significant contributions to the field of agriculture and women’s empowerment.
In addition to these awards, Rajkumari Devi has also been selected as an advisor to the “Saraiya Krishi Vigyan Kendra” and has served as a member of the Agricultural Scientists Recruitment Board. The Central Government has also made a documentary on her inspiring journey, highlighting her achievements and contributions to the field of agriculture.
“Inspiring Chachi”
Kisan Chachi is an inspiration for women all over the world. Her journey from being a victim of gender discrimination to become an award-winning farmer is the true epitome of the power of hard work, perseverance, and dedication. Through her innovative farming techniques and her efforts to empower women in her community, Kisan Chachi has proved that women can excel in traditionally male-dominated fields. Her achievements have been recognised not only in her state of Bihar but also by the central government, which awarded her the prestigious Padma Shri.
Rajkumari Devi’s journey is a testament to the fact that with determination, and hard work, women can break barriers and achieve great heights in any field they choose to pursue. From a situation that prevented her from leaving home to complete her matriculation, she joined self-help groups, set up her group, got agricultural training, and started farming. Unlike other farmers, she developed a brand, which symbolised her perseverance and enthusiasm. She has become a symbol of women’s empowerment and has inspired thousands of women to pursue their dreams and achieve their goals.
Credits and References
https://www.business-standard.com/article/news-ani/kisan-chachi-of-muzaffarpur-116022000438_1.html
https://sugermint.com/kisaan-chachi-rajkumari-devi/
https://yourstory.com/socialstory/2019/04/padma-shri-women-empowerment-kisan-chachi