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Rooted in Resilience: Lilaben’s Journey from Struggle to Stewardship
1 week ago
Rooted in Resilience: Lilaben’s Journey from Struggle to Stewardship
In the tribal village of Kaliywad in Dhanpur Taluka, Dahod district, Sangad Lilaben Manshukhbhai’s story unfolds in the furrows of her one-acre field. A 55-year-old widow who never attended school and cannot read or write Gujarati, she has become a respected farmer and leader in her community. Lilaben lives with her six children, and as farming became uncertain and incomes declined, most of them sought work outside the village. Left to manage the family’s land alone, she faced the immense challenge of sustaining her household and reviving unproductive soil with limited resources and no formal education.
Her turning point came when she joined Utthan’s Sustainable Agriculture Programme, supported by the Azim Premji Foundation. Although illiterate, Lilaben eagerly participated in demonstration-based, practical training sessions on Packages of Practices for crops such as maize, wheat, and gram. Through hands-on learning, she mastered techniques like preparing Jeevamrut—a natural manure made from cow dung, urine, and household ingredients—and Agni Astra, an organic pest repellent. Applying these methods on half an acre of her land, her maize yield rose from 160 to 200 kilograms. The success strengthened her belief in sustainable farming and revealed her capacity for innovation. Recognising her perseverance and ability to inspire others, Utthan designated her as a Master Farmer—an honour often given to literate farmers but fully earned by her dedication and skill.
Today, Lilaben’s once-struggling farm thrives as a living classroom where women farmers gather to learn organic methods, composting, seed treatment, and crop planning. Despite being unable to keep written records, she tracks seasonal changes and soil responses through observation and experience. Her leadership extends beyond her village as she connects with institutions like Krishi Vigyan Kendra, ATMA, and Pidilite’s agri-wing, guiding women to access subsidies and resources through iKhedut. Under her mentorship, several women in Kaliywad have received government support and training for the first time. Lilaben’s journey from hardship to leadership proves that true expertise lies not in literacy but in resilience, curiosity, and shared wisdom. Her story is a testament to how sustainable agriculture can restore dignity, strengthen communities, and transform women from farmers into changemakers.
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