General
Plantation
Shardaben transformed her life from sewing small earnings to running a thriving cosmetic shop through NABARD’s Watershed Development Project.
With support from HDFC Parivartan, the Mahalaxmi SHG turned turmeric, chili, and coriander into a symbol of women-led progress.
Spice Makers of Nalpada
In Nalpada village, Banswara, the Mahalaxmi Swayam Sahayata Samuh (Mahalaxmi SHG), a Self Help Group (SHG) under the HDFC Parivartan project, has turned entrepreneurship into a powerful tool for financial independence. Comprising 11 determined women, the group has established a successful spice processing unit that produces turmeric powder, chili powder, and coriander. By utilizing locally available resources, they have transformed a simple idea into a thriving business. Just two years ago, these women were grappling with irregular incomes, which often led them to migrate in search of work. However, their fortunes changed when they joined the HDFC project and adopted vegetable cultivation, improving their earnings and enabling them to remain in their village. Recognizing the need for financial stability, they sought to diversify their income beyond traditional farming. Their breakthrough came when they saw the potential for value addition. Instead of selling raw produce, they began processing and packaging spices, significantly increasing their market value. What started as a small idea quickly evolved into a sustainable business model, providing them not just with income, but also with confidence and self-reliance. In just five months, with a total procurement of 150 kg of spices, the SHG generated 60,000, averaging 12,000 per month. This initiative not only provides a sustainable livelihood but also empowers the women with essential business skills, financial security, and a stronger role in their community's economic landscape
A New Chapter for Shardaben
Shardaben, a woman from the Scheduled Caste community and a member of a Self-Help Group (SHG), received support to open a cosmetic shop under the NABARD Watershed Development Project in Dodi Village, Jhalawar District, Rajasthan. Her business now generates `15,000 per month, significantly contributing to her family's finances while allowing her to manage household responsibilities. Previously earning a meager income from sewing, Shardaben's cosmetic shop has improved her financial stability and empowered her to take control of her economic future, marking a major turning point in her life.