Pandemic-era nursery establishment by 12 SHG women producing 30,000 Semialata saplings for long-term lac cultivation, creating alternative income streams post-COVID.
When rainfall becomes scarce, rural families face severe food insecurity. This challenge prompted Udyogini to launch a comprehensive support initiative in Jharkhand, targeting women entrepreneurs and farmers who lack resources to pursue alternative livelihoods.
The Initiative
Following the economic devastation of the second COVID-19 wave, the organization introduced an integrated program combining material assistance with income diversification. Beyond providing seeds and raw materials, Udyogini promoted poultry farming, goat rearing, and lac cultivation as sustainable revenue sources.
The Nursery Project
The centerpiece involved establishing a 1,300-square-foot nursery housing 30,000 Semialata saplings. This tree species was deliberately selected because it remains manageable in height—a consideration that ensures accessibility for women during harvest operations. Following approximately two months of cultivation in the nursery, these plants would be distributed to Self-Help Group (SHG) members, with a year-long maturation period before they could support lac production.
Impact and Outcomes
Twelve SHG women directly benefit from this initiative, which generates income potential extending to their entire families. The project demonstrates how traditional livelihoods can evolve through technical knowledge and systematic support. One participant, Prabha Devi, shared: "After attending Udyogini's training sessions, I gained the technical knowledge on scientific cultivation to increase the harvest and, in turn, increase the profit."
This intervention reflects how community-centered approaches combined with practical skills training can transform subsistence activities into viable economic enterprises.