Asmita Patel, hailing from Soldhara village in Chikhli Taluka of Navsari district, has built a successful rural business generating an annual income of Rs 10.20 lakh and offering employment to 10 women from her community. Her enterprise involves honey production, pickles, ragi-based products, baked goods, and natural food items, showcasing the potential of rural self-sufficiency and women’s empowerment.
Growing up in an agricultural family, Asmita acquired farming and animal husbandry skills early on. Despite facing challenges like her father’s demise while pursuing an Art Teacher Diploma, she persevered with the support of her forward-thinking in-laws and her determination to continue her education, eventually obtaining a Bachelor of Arts degree.
Seeking additional income beyond farming, Asmita diversified her livelihood options. Starting with beekeeping in 2010-11 and later expanding into bakery products after completing a course at Navsari Agricultural University in 2014, she continuously broadened her skill set.
In 2015, Asmita established the ‘Sahyadri Sakhi Mandal’ with 10 women under the guidance of rural development officials. The group, initially focused on producing pickles, later expanded into ragi-based products, papad, biscuits, and flour with financial assistance from the Mission Mangalam scheme and a subsequent business loan.
The members of Sahyadri Sakhi Mandal now divide responsibilities based on their expertise, engaging in activities like honey processing, pickle making, ragi wafers production, and bamboo handicrafts. Their products are marketed locally and showcased at agricultural exhibitions on state and national levels, reflecting the group’s growth and success.
Reflecting on her journey, Asmita emphasizes the importance of traditional knowledge, local resources, and community collaboration in their achievements. Her efforts have garnered national acclaim, with recognition under the National Rural Livelihood Mission for promoting rural self-reliance and women’s empowerment, including accolades from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Gujarat government.
