Introduction
In Village Bongda, Panchayat Turundu, Block Kamdara, District Gumla, Jharkhand, lives Lilo Devi (50 years old), whose transformation from a small-scale farmer with limited resources to a successful livestock rearer and lac cultivator showcases the power of knowledge, persistence, and timely support.
Early Life and Challenges
Due to financial constraints, Lilo Devi never attended school and was married at the age of 18–19 in 1990. With her husband (educated up to grade 7) working as a farmer, she faced the dual responsibility of managing the household and raising three children.
Her initial livelihood efforts included goat rearing, small-scale farming, and lac cultivation on:
1 Kusum tree, 10 Ber trees, and 20–25 dismil of agricultural land
However, lack of technical knowledge created serious challenges:
High goat mortality due to absence of vaccination and deworming
Low productivity in lac farming due to traditional practices without pest management
Limited income (₹2000–3000 annually from lac, occasional sale of 1 goat)
These limitations kept the family under financial stress.
Training and Capacity Building with Udyogini
The turning point came in 2016, when Lilo Devi participated in training conducted by Udyogini. Through structured learning, she gained practical skills in:
Vaccination and deworming schedule for goats
Scientific techniques in lac cultivation (funki removal, brood bundling, pest control)
Improved animal husbandry and hygiene practices
This exposure shifted her approach from traditional methods to systematic and professional practices.
Growth and Livelihood Expansion
By applying her learning, Lilo Devi gradually expanded her resources and improved productivity:
Goat inventory increased from 2 to 25
Regular practice of scientific lac farming
Annual earnings grew significantly:
2017: ₹15,000–20,000 from lac and ₹18,000–20,000 from goat sales
Present: ₹70,000–80,000 annually from goat sales and ₹60,000 from 60–65 kg of scrap lac
Overall income now stands at ₹1–1.4 lakh annually
Her livelihood, once fragile, is now both diversified and sustainable.
Impact on Family and Community
The economic growth translated into broader social and personal impacts:
Constructed a four-room house for her family
Eldest daughter is pursuing B.Ed. and M.A., reflecting generational progress
Husband, once hesitant, now values her advice in decision-making
Recognized within the community as a mentor for sustainable farming and enterprise
Key Learnings from Her Journey
Start with available resources: Even small beginnings can create a strong foundation.
Invest in skills and knowledge: Training and technical guidance accelerate growth.
Economic empowerment enhances social status: Financial stability builds confidence and respect.
Community support matters: Institutional handholding at the right time can transform livelihoods.
Conclusion
Lilo Devi’s journey highlights how structured training, persistence, and willingness to adapt can lead to remarkable livelihood transformation. Today, she advocates goat rearing and lac farming to other rural women, proving that with the right support, rural communities can achieve both economic and social empowerment.
