A New Beginning: Rekha’s Transformation from Farmer to Entrepreneur

Rekha’s inspiring journey from a struggling farmer to a confident entrepreneur reflects the transformative power of inclusive, grassroots interventions. This transformation came to life through the dedicated support of KSB Limited, which is committed to advancing gender equity and enabling sustainable economic opportunities in underserved communities. The initiative, brought to life through the efforts of Manisha Bhalerao, Program Officer at Youth Aid Foundation, provided Rekha with skills, financial support, but also the confidence to pursue her vision. Her story illustrates how targeted interventions can uplift individuals, unlock potential, and ignite change—one empowered woman at a time.

A Journey of Determination and Transformation

Meet Ms.Rekha Tanaji Mapari, a 38-year-old woman from the small rural village of Kundewadi in Sinnar, Maharashtra, has faced numerous challenges in her life. Coming from an agricultural background, Rekha and her family relied deeply on farming to make ends meet. However, the inconsistency and uncertainty of agricultural income led her to seek alternative livelihoods.

The Problem: The Struggles of an Agricultural Life

For Rekha, farming was the main source of income. However, traditional agriculture came with many challenges. Unpredictable weather, changing market prices, and low profits made farming unreliable. Over time, the instability of agricultural earnings created financial distress for Rekha’s family, pushing her to explore alternative sources of income.

Rekha decided to diversify by making crusts (papads), a traditional food product in demand locally. However, the transition was difficult. She faced several challenges in starting her new business:

1. Lack of Business Knowledge: Rekha had no formal training in business management or marketing, which made it difficult to navigate the details of entrepreneurship.
2. Limited Market Reach: Though the crusts were made of good quality, she struggled to find customers and expand her reach.
3. Financial Constraints: Initial investments were low and Rekha had limited resources to invest in growing her business.

Despite her determination, Rekha’s business faced slow growth, and her family’s income remained uncertain. This is when she decided to seek help, and that decision led her to get through CYDA.

Empowerment Through Training and Support

The turning point in Rekha’s entrepreneurial journey came when she attended the Entrepreneurship Development Program organized by CYDA in partnership with KSB Limited. This program was designed to equip aspiring entrepreneurs like Rekha with the tools and skills necessary to build successful businesses.

The 4-day intensive training program offered Rekha the opportunity to gain:

1. Business Planning Skills: Rekha learnt how to create a clear business plan that mapped out her goals, strategies, and vision for the future.
2. Marketing Strategies: She was introduced to modern marketing techniques, helping her understand how to promote crusts to a larger audience.
3. Knowledge of Government Schemes: The program also provided valuable information on accessing government schemes and financial support that could help Rekha expand her business.

However, the grant of Rs. 6K she received from CYDA was used for branding, labeling, and stickers. This empowered Rekha to overcome the initial hurdles she faced in her entrepreneurial journey. The combination of practical skills and financial support gave her the confidence and resources she needed to grow her business.

 

From Training to Action

With the knowledge gained from EDP, Rekha began transforming her crust-making venture. Though the process had challenges, the skills and support she received helped her make significant progress.

1. Business Planning and Strategy: Rekha created a clear business plan that outlined production capacity, sales targets, and marketing strategies. The training provided useful templates, helping her set short-term and long-term goals, focusing on increasing output and product quality.
2. Effective Marketing: Before the training, Rekha had limited marketing knowledge. The program introduced her to branding and promotional techniques. She learned to design attractive packaging and reach out to local shops and markets, expanding her customer base and visibility.
3. Utilizing Government Schemes: The training also helped Rekha access government schemes supporting micro-businesses. These schemes provided the necessary capital, enabling her to expand production and grow her business.

Overcoming Obstacles

Though Rekha’s business was on the path to growth, the journey was not entirely smooth. There were still some challenges that required her to be resourceful:

1. Limited Market Reach: Initially, Rekha’s products were limited to her local area. Expanding to new markets required effort in branding and distribution, which took time.
2. Financial Management: Managing cash flow effectively and ensuring the timely payment of suppliers was a new skill Rekha had to develop. This was made easier with the support and guidance from CYDA.
3. Competition: As her business grew, Rekha faced competition from other local producers. However, her commitment to product quality and customer satisfaction helped her stand out in the market.

Growth and Empowerment

Today, Rekha’s crust-making business is thriving. The support from CYDA, along with her own determination, has led to outstanding results.

• Financial Growth: Rekha now earns a steady monthly income of Rs.10,000/-, a significant improvement from her previous earnings as a farmer.
• Increased Orders: Her effective marketing strategies increased her popularity in local markets, leading to more orders and business growth.
• Empowered Entrepreneur: Rekha’s success has not only improved her family’s financial situation but has also empowered her as an entrepreneur. She is now a role model in her community, inspiring other women to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams.

Impact of CYDA’s Intervention: Transforming Lives

The intervention by CYDA has had a profound impact on Rekha’s life and business. Through the entrepreneurship development training and financial assistance, Rekha gained critical skills and access to resources that transformed her business.

Rekha in her words…..

I have learnt that training is key. The comprehensive training, I received from CYDA gave me the necessary tools to succeed as successful entrepreneur. The support from organizations like CYDA has been invaluable, both in terms of mentorship and financial aid. It helped me overcome the challenges I faced in the early stages of my business. I also realized that resilience is important. My journey has shown me that persistence, even in the face of setbacks, is crucial. With the right skills and mindset, success is definitely achievable.”