Starting with just ₹10,000, Sanjukta Das has developed a livestock-based enterprise generating income, creating jobs and opening new livelihood opportunities for women’s self-help groups.
Odisha: At 62, Sanjukta Das is demonstrating how determination, collective action and livestock farming can create sustainable rural livelihoods. What began as a modest investment of ₹10,000 in 2024 has grown into a piggery and dairy enterprise with a reported total investment of nearly ₹10.95 lakh.
Sanjukta earns an estimated ₹60,000–₹70,000 per month from her farming activities. Beyond her own financial independence, her enterprise is creating employment and helping other rural women explore dairy farming and allied businesses.
From self-help group activities to livestock farming
Her entrepreneurial journey began in 2000 with the formation of the Haraparbati Self-Help Group (SHG), comprising 10 members, where she served as secretary. Over the years, the group undertook several income-generating activities, including operating a Public Distribution System dealership, preparing meals under the mid-day meal programme, and producing incense sticks, papad and badi. The products were also sold at exhibitions organised by the district administration and the state government.
Seeking a more stable source of income, Sanjukta ventured into piggery and dairy farming in 2024 with support from her SHG.
Piggery and dairy drive income growth
The piggery unit has expanded through breeding, with each sow reportedly producing around 10–12 piglets annually. Sanjukta now sells approximately 40–50 pigs every year, with prices ranging from ₹18,000 to ₹20,000 per animal, depending on size. Buyers are located in Andhra Pradesh, Mumbai, Goa, Kolkata and other markets.
Her dairy unit has also become a significant source of income. She supplies approximately 150 litres of milk daily to local consumers and women’s SHGs. By offering milk to SHGs at reduced prices, she enables their members to participate in milk collection and marketing activities.
Enterprise creates jobs and supports SHGs
The two units provide work for five people, including two women. One worker who was previously unemployed reportedly earns around ₹20,000 per month through employment across the farming operations.
According to Sanjukta, the enterprise’s total investment has reached approximately ₹10.95 lakh. This includes a bank loan of ₹3.95 lakh, a personal investment of ₹1 lakh and around ₹6 lakh spent on infrastructure and construction using her own resources.
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The enterprise also supports other women’s groups. Mahalaxmi SHG has established a milk collection centre and reportedly procures around 100–120 litres of milk daily from Sanjukta’s dairy farm, providing an additional income opportunity for its members.
Inspiring women to explore livestock-based livelihoods
Sanjukta’s progress has encouraged other women in the locality to consider dairy farming, goat rearing, poultry farming and small businesses. Women’s SHGs also visit her farm to learn about livestock management and income-generating activities.
“I wanted to become financially self-reliant, but my larger objective was to improve the socio-economic condition of rural women by creating sustainable income and employment opportunities through piggery and dairy farming,” she said.
Looking ahead, Sanjukta plans to expand both units, strengthen connections with government and private buyers, pursue advanced training and develop a broader market network.
Her journey highlights the potential of livestock farming when combined with self-help groups, access to finance, market linkages and practical management. From a ₹10,000 beginning to an enterprise with nearly ₹11 lakh invested, Sanjukta Das is building more than a business—she is creating opportunities for other rural women to become economically self-reliant.
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