Kalpana Mishra: From Village Homemaker to Tractor Entrepreneur in Prayagraj
Women have historically been the backbone of agriculture, performing the most demanding, skill-intensive, and time-consuming tasks from sowing seeds to harvesting crops since ancient times. Despite this crucial role, society has often failed to recognize them as legitimate field workers. Breaking this long-standing pattern is Kalpana Mishra, a 40-year-old resident of Chhimirchha village in Kaushambi district, Prayagraj.
A New Dawn: Steering Towards Independence
Every morning, Kalpana takes the steering wheel of her tractor and heads out to harvest crops for local farmers using a thresher. Driving her tractor through the fields all day, she earns between Rs 3,000 to Rs 4,000 daily. In the evenings, after returning home, she operates a flour mill she established with the same tractor, grinding wheat for villagers and generating additional income.
This flour mill was set up with government financial support, showcasing how strategic investments can create multiple revenue streams. Kalpana's household consists of five members: her husband, who engages in temporary data-entry work, and their three children. Despite limited financial resources, she bears all the education expenses for her children, demonstrating remarkable resilience and determination.
Overcoming Challenges with Government Support
Kalpana did not lose hope in the face of adversity. She secured a loan of Rs 5 lakh from the Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yuva Self-Employment Scheme to launch her business, which included purchasing a tractor and installing a flour mill. These assets have now become her identity in the village, transforming her from a homemaker into a respected entrepreneur.
In her remote village, women previously had few earning opportunities beyond household chores, often left idle after completing domestic tasks. To change this, Kalpana collaborated with other women to form the Jai Maa Durga Self Help Group, fostering collective empowerment and economic activity.
Training and Expansion: A Ripple Effect
Divyansh Singh, the district mission manager of the National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM), explains that Kalpana underwent training to operate a flour mill alongside other village women. Following this, she obtained the Rs 5 lakh loan from the Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Self-Employment Scheme through the District Industries Department.
Under this scheme, designed to promote micro enterprises, loans ranging from Rs 10 lakh to Rs 25 lakh are provided with a 25% subsidy. Kalpana's success has raised awareness among other women in her village, who have now shown interest in various micro industries and work opportunities. They are currently receiving training to pursue similar ventures.
Broader Impact: Women's Empowerment in the District
The initiative has contributed to a larger movement of women's empowerment in the region. Currently, there are 9,500 women self-help groups in the district, with over 96,000 women associated with them. This network supports skill development, financial independence, and community solidarity, highlighting the transformative power of targeted government schemes and individual initiative.
Kalpana Mishra's journey from a village homemaker to a tractor and flour mill operator exemplifies how determination, coupled with accessible financial support, can break gender barriers and create sustainable livelihoods. Her story serves as an inspiration for women across rural India, proving that with courage and opportunity, they can redefine their roles and contribute significantly to the agricultural economy and beyond.
