- An inspiring journey from wage labour to self-employment, earning ₹1.5 lakh annually from mushroom production
- Pushpa Saav of Kurmapali wrote a new chapter of success with hard work, courage and the support of Bihaan.
Once, wage labour was the family’s only source of livelihood. Even after a hard day’s work, the income was not enough to easily meet all the household needs. The children’s education, the family’s livelihood, and the future were constant worries. But today, Pushpa Saw has become self-reliant through mushroom production. After joining the National Rural Livelihood Mission (Bhaan), she not only transformed her financial situation but also reinvigorated her self-confidence and respect. Today, she earns an annual income of approximately Rs 1.50 lakh from mushroom production and has become an inspiration for other women in her village.
- The family was struggling with financial crisis, got a new direction from Bihan.
Mrs. Pushpa Saav, a resident of village Kurmapali in Raigarh district, says that till a few years ago, her family was completely dependent on labour. Despite hard work, the income was limited, which made it difficult to even meet the family expenses. The dream of good education for the children and a better future for the family seemed incomplete due to financial constraints. Through the Gram Panchayat, she came to know about the National Rural Livelihood Mission Bihan. She joined the Sanskar Self-Help Group and started regular savings. Through the group, she received training, financial assistance from Community Investment Fund (CIF) and the bank. This support became the basis for change in her life.
- With financial strength and increased confidence,
Pushpa Saw began growing mushrooms at home with 10,000 rupees received from CIF. Due to quality production and consistent hard work, her mushrooms began to gain significant demand in the local market. Seeing the growing demand, she expanded her business by investing an additional 70,000 rupees. Today, she earns approximately 150,000 rupees annually from mushroom production. This has strengthened her family’s financial situation and significantly improved her standard of living. The income from mushroom production has provided financial support to Pushpa Saw’s family. She is now able to focus on her children’s education, household needs, and future savings. The inclusion of mushrooms in the family’s diet has also improved their nutritional status.
- Pushpa Saav, an inspiration for other women,
says that if she hadn’t received Bihan’s support, her family would likely still be dependent on manual labor. Today, she runs her business with dignity and inspires other women in the village to adopt self-employment. Proper guidance, effective benefits of government schemes, and consistent hard work can bring about significant changes in anyone’s life. The National Rural Livelihoods Mission, Bihan, is providing rural women with new opportunities toward self-reliance by empowering them economically.
