In Prayagraj's Shuklapur village in Meja, 60-year-old Shakuntala Singh has built a thriving cattle-rearing enterprise, earning over Rs 1 lakh a month from dairy farming. At an age when many women step back from active work, she has turned her passion into a profitable livelihood.
From Six Cows to a Thriving Herd
Shakuntala comes from a financially stable family; her husband is a government contractor and her children are economically independent. Nonetheless, she chose to pursue cattle rearing. She began her journey in 2022 with six Sahiwal cows. Today, she owns a herd of 35 indigenous-breed cows.
"I started with the belief that caring for cows is a virtuous act. Over time, it became my passion. I now look after 35 cows, all of whom I consider part of my family. The herd produces around 300 litres of milk daily, generating a monthly income of about Rs 1.25 lakh," Shakuntala said.
Support from Government Scheme
Shakuntala has emerged as one of the leading livestock breeders in the region. Her son, Devesh Pratap, assists her in managing the business. Additionally, she has provided employment to over a dozen individuals from the village. Her expansion was supported by the state government's Nandini Krishak Samriddhi Yojana, implemented under the Nand Baba Milk Mission.
Chief veterinary officer (Prayagraj) Dr SN Yadav said, "Until 2023, Shakuntala owned only six cows, but her determination drove her to scale up operations. At the beginning of the 2023-24 financial year, she applied under the Nandini Krishak Samriddhi Yojana to expand her cattle-rearing activities. She was selected through a lottery process and received Rs 21.5 lakh in government assistance. The funds were used to develop infrastructure for the dairy enterprise."
Shakuntala's story is an inspiring example of how determination and government support can transform lives, even at an age when many consider retiring.
