Success Stories

Empowering Kavitha: A Remarkable Journey from Tragedy to Triumph

Kavitha's Bold Stand

The traditional rice variety, procured by middlemen from farmers, fetched a meager Rs. 900 for 60 kgs. However, Kavitha, a resilient dry land farmer, decided to challenge the status quo. She fixed the price at Rs. 1300 and found a new avenue through the Pudhukottai Organic Farmer Producer Company. Beyond the financial gain of Rs. 400, Kavitha's journey is a testament to her unwavering spirit. After her husband's tragic suicide nine years ago, Kavitha refused to succumb to the exploitation that had driven many farmers in the dry land region to the brink.

The Unfathomable Challenge

Kavitha, born into an agricultural family, sacrificed her education in the 5th standard to assist her parents in cultivating their small piece of land. At the tender age of 18, her parents arranged her marriage to a neighboring farmer. Like numerous farmers in the arid delta region of Tamil Nadu, her husband fell into the clutches of debt due to crop failures. He couldn't even cover the interest on the Rs. 2.5 lakh loan he had taken from the bank. In desperation, he migrated to Chennai to work as a laborer in hotels and construction sites, while Kavitha took charge of the family's farming. However, despite more than a year of toil, he couldn't save enough to repay his debts. Harassed by the banks and stripped of his self-respect, he tragically took his own life in 2010.

Kavitha's world shattered, and she descended into a deep depression. She was unable to function for a year and sought psychiatric treatment. When she eventually emerged from her mental anguish, she was confronted with the harsh reality that her husband was gone, their debt was mounting, and their son had dropped out of school. Determined to set things right, she embarked on a mission to reclaim her husband's legacy.

A Strategy for Resurgence

Terre des hommes Germany, in partnership with the Rural Organization for Rural Development (ROSE), launched an initiative to address farmer suicides in Pudhukottai District. Kavitha, along with 25 other widows of farmers who had taken their own lives, became the focus of a strategic intervention aimed at women's empowerment.

The initiative involved the formation of nearly 75 farmers' groups. Kavitha was elected as the leader of her Muthamil group, which not only focused on economic stability but also strengthened solidarity and determination to combat the exploitation of marginalized farmers.
Regular training sessions on organic farming and traditional agricultural methods were introduced. The ROSE team provided guidance on pest repellents and organic manure, transforming the land into an organic haven while significantly reducing input costs.
Kavitha obtained membership in the Pudhukottai Organic Farmer Producer Company, allowing her to sell produce directly to consumers.
Opportunities for direct marketing and value addition in traditional millets enabled Kavitha to diversify her crops, further boosting her income.

Triumph in the Face of Adversity

Kavitha's transformation began with self-belief, replacing the lingering sorrow over her husband's death. She declined financial support from her parents, constructing a small concrete house on her land and providing for her family's medical needs independently. Her proudest achievement was her ability to pay off her husband's debts. Moreover, her personal growth had a ripple effect on the lives of other women in her farming community.

The self-help group movement instilled a culture of saving among women. Kavitha's group amassed a savings of Rs. 5,76,000, enabling women farmers to access internal loans and eliminating the need for exorbitantly charging moneylenders.
Farming became more profitable and sustainable as investment costs were halved without the need for chemical inputs. Women gained expertise in livestock and milch animal management, ensuring a steady supply of inputs for cultivation and soil conservation.
Reviving traditional, drought-resistant food crops reduced crop failure by nearly 75% in the 52 villages, enhancing food security for women. Each family could set aside 375 kgs of rice and millets annually for their own consumption.
Kavitha, along with 499 women farmers, achieved Participatory Guarantee System certification, attesting to their land's 100% organic status, enabling them to sell produce and value-added products under the organic brand.

A Socio-Cultural Transformation

For Kavitha and the women farmers, success transcends the financial gains. Women's contributions in the agricultural sector have long been underappreciated, with limited recognition and voice in the cultivation process. Transitioning from being mere farm laborers to decision-makers marked a profound shift for these women. Among the 1028 members of the Organic Farmer Producer Company, approximately 525 are women who now determine the price of agricultural produce.

The empowerment initiative instilled hope and confidence, not only among the women but also among the men, reducing risks and restoring dignity. Kavitha's journey represents a powerful transformation, from a victim of farmer suicides to a beacon of resilience and change.