Lokamani, Agripreneur | Karnataka

Background

Raised on a small one-acre farm producing paddy, grains, and cotton, Lokamani and her family faced severe disruptions from droughts, heavy rainfall, and temperature fluctuations. Dependent on her husband's guidance, she experienced limited exposure and economic visibility, like many rural women. Despite their efforts, the family struggled with low yields, financial instability due to loans, and laboring on other farms, hindered by a lack of modern technology and marketing strategies. Her occasional participation in a Self-Help Group (SHG) led her to a training program that promised to revolutionize their farming practices and financial stability.

Actions Taken

Before the training program, she faced significant barriers such as limited access to technology, low digital literacy, and self-doubt from her educational background, hindering her ability to market products online and pursue growth. Determined to change, she saw the potential benefits of the training.

After joining the program, she made substantial progress. She gained technical knowledge in digital literacy, entrepreneurship, and financial management, and learned to use her phone for planning and tasks. Additionally, she became aware of important government schemes, like Pradhan Mantri Sukanya Samridhi Yojana, improving her decision-making for her children's financial stability, healthcare, and savings.

Learnings

Following the training, she underwent a transformative journey, acquiring essential technical skills and digital literacy that enabled her to explore new business opportunities and enhance her family's quality of life. Her improved understanding of government schemes allowed her to make informed decisions about financial planning and healthcare. Her story exemplifies the impact of training and digital empowerment on rural livelihoods, showcasing how determination to embrace new technology can help women overcome societal norms and create a better, more sustainable future for their families and communities, driving positive change and fostering holistic development.

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