Earlier, families had objection over women of the house being involved in dung collection and vermicompost manure production, but the turnover of Rs 93 lakh in two years has changed their attitude: Preeti Toppo
Women go door to door for garbage collection in the morning and compost it in the afternoon
Women are earning in lakhs by selling cow dung, manure and earthworms, Gauthan is taking the form of rural industry
TNIS
Preeti Toppo, a resident of Manendragarh in Koriya district, belonged to a poor family. Two years ago on this day, when Godhan Nyay Yojana was launched in Chhattisgarh, Preeti felt as if this scheme was made for her. Preeti and other women of the village came together to form a self-help group and got involved in the manufacturing of vermicompost manure and collection of cow dung. Today, after two years, Preeti has sold vermicompost fertilizer worth Rs 93 lakh through Toppo Group. Now they do not have to depend on anyone else for their needs. They are beaming with confidence and joy because of their financial freedom. Preeti has brought economic change not only for herself but also for the women of the group associated with her and all this has been possible because of Chief Minister Mr. Bhupesh Baghel's vision.
A women self-help group named Swachh Manendragarh Sangh, engaged in vermi compost manufacturing in urban Gauthan of Manendragarh in Koriya district, is gaining appreciation and recognition for how they have earned Rs 93 lakhs by selling vermicompost manure. Who would have thought that cow dung could be of so much use. Dung has great importance in religious works, but under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel, Chhattisgarh government has made cow dung the axis of economic change.
Godhan Nyay Yojana is a one of a kind scheme in the entire country. Godhan Nyay Yojana of the government has turned cow dung into a commodity. Today cow dung is being sold and bought. Chhattisgarh government is buying cow dung, which is being turned into vermicompost manure by self-help groups. Self-Help Groups are earning good profits by selling vermicompost. This has brought about major change in their financial status and overall standard of living.
Initially it was difficult to work due to opposition from family, got out of the debt taken for sister’s marriage using the money received under scheme: Preeti Toppo
Mrs. Preeti Toppo, a member of the Swachh Manendragarh Area Level Union of Manendragarh development block, which produces highest quantity of vermi compost in the entire district, said "The family was not very happy when I started the work of producing vermi compost in Gauthan. However, with the increase in production and sales, family and people's attitude towards us started changing. Through this scheme, we have got the means of self-employment; our prestige in the society has increased.”
Preeti told that she has got nearly Rs 50,000 from the dividend. Using this amount she got out of the debt taken for sister’s marriage and bought bicycle for her children. Her family members were unhappy due to less family time, but as time passed they have become supportive and are happy with her work.
Paving path of self-reliance
The group comprises of 73 women who have never stepped out of their homes for work. Earnings from this work have made them a strong pillar of their families. These women are paving path of self-reliance by producing vermi compost. So far, 9 lakh 30 thousand kg of vermi compost has been produced and sold by the group, in the lieu of which Rs 93 lakh has been paid to the group.
Meeting with Chief Minister boosted group’s morale
Preeti said that the interaction with Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel during his meet and greet programme boosted morale of the group. Speaking directly to the head of state was indeed a big moment for me and for the whole group. He encouraged us saying that turnover of the Gauthan will soon rise to one crore. His words have infused a new energy in the group and all the women of the group are working with more dedication and enthusiasm.
Door to door garbage collection in the morning and compost production in the afternoon
Most of the women of this group belong to economically weaker families. They perform door-to-door garbage collection work in the morning which earns them an income of Rs 6,000 per month. In the afternoon, these women indulge in the work of vermi compost production, for which they receive dividend accordingly.
More than Rs 9 crore have been paid so far to the groups producing vermi compost of the district
Vermi compost is being produced and sold by 345 women self-help groups engaged in 332 Gauthans of Korea district. Till now 1.30 lakh quintal vermi compost and super compost have been produced in the district, out of which 92, 805 quintals has been sold. The group has earned an income of Rs. 9.28 crore in which the net dividend of the group is Rs. 3.52 crore. Cow dung is being purchased at 342 places in the district. In this, 3.93 lakh quintals of cow dung has been purchased from more than 13,000 vendors and Rs 7.86 crore has been directly transferred in their bank accounts.
During the celebration, the visitors enthusiastically participated in the traditional game of climbing ‘Gendi’. ‘Gendi’ (long bamboo poles with a footrest) requires a lot of concentration and balance. On the other hand the game also gives us the message of becoming physically and mentally healthy.
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