Government of India
Nageshwari Verma
State : Chhattisgarh
District : Raipur
Block : Arang
Village : Kathiya
Self-Help Group : Jai Maa Shitla Self-Help Group
Livelihood Activities : Poultry farming, vegetable cultivation, mushroom production, grocery store
Lakhpati Didi Journey
Smt. Nageshwari Verma, hailing from Kathiya village in Raipur district, Chhattisgarh, is a remarkable example of resilience and self-reliance. Born into a modest farming family, her life took a transformative turn when she joined the Jai Maa Sheetla Self-Help Group under the Anmol Mahila Gram Sangthan. Her journey began with training in animal husbandry under the Sustainable Agriculture Project, where she also assumed the role of Pashu Sakhi. This marked the start of an entrepreneurial journey that saw her excel in poultry farming, vegetable cultivation, mushroom production, paddy farming, and producing Nadep fertilizer and Azolla. Her innovative farming techniques brought her an annual income of Rs. 1.5 –Rs. 2 lakhs. Venturing into non-farm activities, Nageshwari opened a grocery store and started grain trading while becoming a skilled sewing and animal entrepreneurship trainer. Her passion for community development led her to work as a Gender Master Trainer, promoting gender equality, and as an advocate for water management and sanitation under the Jal Jeevan Mission. Currently earning Rs. 2 lakhs annually, Nageshwari continues to mentor over 50 women, inspiring financial independence and sustainable growth across her village.
