In the quiet tribal village of Babliya in Madhya Pradesh’s Mandla district, Roopkali Didi’s life once revolved around daily wage labor and uncertainty. With no formal education, inconsistent income, and limited exposure beyond her village, her days were defined by hard work and few choices.
But that changed when entrepreneurship entered her life.
The Weight of Everyday Survival
Like many women in rural India, Roopkali carried the double burden of poverty and responsibility. Dependent on seasonal agricultural work, her earnings were unpredictable. Financial independence seemed like a distant dream. Her situation was not uncommon, but it was unchanging.
Until she was introduced to something radically different, the idea of being an entrepreneur.
A New Path Opens
Roopkali attended a village-level meeting organized by Udyogini, where the idea of enterprise was introduced, an invitation to move from laborer to livelihood owner. Among the options discussed, backyard poultry farming struck a chord. It didn’t require large landholdings or heavy capital. It was a livelihood she could begin from her backyard, with her own hands, at her own pace.
Encouraged by the possibility, she took her first step. With 100 chicks and a heart full of hope, Roopkali launched her poultry enterprise.
The Realities of Starting Up
The early months were anything but easy. Roopkali invested her limited savings in building a shed and buying feed. She faced seasonal diseases, rising costs, and the emotional toll of setbacks. But she pressed on, learning every day, often by trial and error.
What strengthened her journey was the support and training she received from Udyogini. Through sessions on poultry care, vaccination cycles, feeding schedules, and business planning, she built both competence and confidence. With each decision she made, she began to shed self-doubt and step into a new identity, that of an entrepreneur.
From Livelihood to Leadership
Today, Roopkali sells poultry at ₹450 per kg and has already earned ₹30,000 from her enterprise. The income has helped her support her family, improve nutrition at home, and invest in her children’s education.
But the transformation goes beyond numbers.
Roopkali now takes part in household decisions. She is respected in her community. Neighbours come to her for advice, not just on poultry farming, but on how to start something of their own. Through entrepreneurship, she has discovered not just income, but voice, dignity, and agency.
Why Entrepreneurship Matters
Roopkali’s story highlights a simple but powerful truth. When women are given the opportunity to become entrepreneurs, they don’t just earn, they lead.
Entrepreneurship helps rural women build sustainable livelihoods that fit their context and capacity. It creates space for ambition, builds resilience, and unlocks leadership. It turns survival into stability, and effort into impact.
The Road Ahead
Roopkali isn’t done. She is already planning to scale up to 300 chicks. Her dreams have grown, and so has her belief in her own abilities. She now stands as an example for other women in her village, proof that change is possible when the right path is made visible.
Entrepreneurship as Empowerment
Roopkali Didi’s journey is not just a story of income generation. It is a story of transformation. It shows us that entrepreneurship, when made accessible, can be a turning point for rural women, unlocking not just economic freedom but confidence, decision-making power, and lasting change.
Across India, there are countless Roopkalis waiting to discover their potential. Entrepreneurship can be the key.
Conclusion
Roopkali Didi’s journey is a testament to the ripple effect that starts with a single opportunity. From a daily wage laborer to a confident entrepreneur, her transformation underscores the importance of timely interventions, skill development, and sustained mentorship. As she looks forward to scaling her business, her story serves as both inspiration and a model for rural development.
When we invest in women like Roopkali, we invest in stronger families, more resilient communities, and a more equitable future. Her story is not just about poultry farming, it is about possibility, perseverance, and progress.
