Shobha Devi’s journey from a restricted domestic life to becoming a successful agri-entrepreneur in rural Bihar highlights the transformative impact of women-centric livelihood programmes. Introduced to the Agri-Entrepreneur (AE) Programme through her self-help group (SHG), Shobha underwent 21 days of structured training that equipped her with agricultural, financial, and entrepreneurial skills.
With support from Jeevika, Syngenta Foundation India, and her family, she established an AE Service Centre, diversified into mushroom cultivation and vermicomposting, and now serves nearly 400 farmers.
Contributing 50% to her household income, her growing confidence and leadership have inspired other women in her village to seek economic independence. Officials associated with the programme say such stories demonstrate how grassroots entrepreneurship can strengthen rural economies while advancing gender equity.
From Confinement To Confidence
Until a few years ago, Shobha Devi’s world was limited to the four walls of her home. Like many women in rural India, she spent her days managing household chores, caring for her children, and following instructions from her husband and father-in-law.
Stepping outside the house, meeting people, or expressing independent opinions were not part of her life. That began to change when her self-help group (SHG) leader whom members respectfully call CM Didi introduced the Agri-Entrepreneur (AE) Programme during a group meeting.
The programme promised 21 days of intensive training, followed by certification that would allow participants to start agriculture-related businesses such as selling seeds, fertilisers, and other farm inputs. For Shobha, the opportunity arrived at a moment when she felt an unfulfilled desire to “do something” of her own.
Seeing an agri-entrepreneur within her extended family run a successful enterprise gave her the confidence to believe that she, too, could stand on her own feet and contribute meaningfully to her family’s future.
During the training, Shobha says her understanding of agriculture and business underwent a fundamental shift. Earlier, her knowledge was limited to traditional practices passed down through generations. The AE Programme exposed her to modern farming techniques, emerging technologies, and diverse business models.
Participants were trained in nursery management, vermicomposting, mushroom cultivation, mulching techniques, and grain trading, along with lessons on cost management, profit maximisation, and farmer engagement.
Officials from Syngenta Foundation India, which supports and mentors agri-entrepreneurs under the programme, note that such structured training helps women build not just technical expertise but also decision-making confidence, a critical barrier in rural entrepreneurship.
Overcoming Financial Barriers Together
Setting up an AE Service Centre was far from easy. The first challenge was capital. Shobha needed funds to obtain licences, build a shop, and stock agricultural inputs.
While talking to The Logical Indian, Shobha Devi told with limited savings of her own, she relied on a mix of institutional and family support. Jeevika, the Bihar government’s women’s livelihood initiative, extended financial assistance of ₹1.5 lakh, while her husband and father-in-law contributed additional resources. She also took small loans, fully aware of the risks involved.
Rather than being discouraged, Shobha adopted a cautious and disciplined financial approach. Profits earned from the service centre were reinvested into the business, allowing gradual expansion. Over time, she repaid loans and returned borrowed money, strengthening her credibility both at home and within the community.
Mentors from Syngenta Foundation India further encouraged her to diversify her enterprise, arranging exposure visits to other agri-entrepreneurs running multiple ventures. Inspired by these interactions, Shobha ventured into mushroom cultivation and vermicomposting, which not only increased her income but also allowed her to offer sustainable solutions to local farmers.
Today, she manages a customer base of around 400 farmers. Her training has taught her that understanding farmers’ problems is central to business growth. By collecting essential information about soil conditions, crop patterns, and pest issues, she helps farmers make informed decisions, strengthening trust and long-term relationships. Programme officials say such women-led service centres act as critical last-mile links, improving farmers’ access to inputs, information, and support while boosting local economies.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
Shobha Devi’s story is not merely about personal success; it is about the quiet transformation of social structures that have long limited women’s agency. From a life where her voice carried little weight, she has emerged as a confident decision-maker whose opinions are now sought within her household.
By contributing nearly 50% of her family’s income, she has redefined her role at home and in her community. More importantly, her journey has begun to shift perceptions in her village, where other families are increasingly allowing their wives and daughters to step out, interact, and participate in public life.
At a time when rural women continue to face layered challenges of mobility, finance, and social norms, Shobha’s experience underscores the power of collective support systems, targeted training, and sustained mentorship. Initiatives like the AE Programme show that empowering women economically can create ripple effects that promote dignity, confidence, and community-wide progress.
