KEY HIGHLIGHTS

• दियामाटी FPC has empowered over 2,100 women as shareholders.
• The company has reached nearly 4,000 rural women in Bihar.
• 'दमदार दाना' has improved livestock health and productivity.
• Strong support from government schemes and initiatives.
• Significant increase in women's self-confidence and leadership.

Introduction

In the rural landscapes of Bihar, particularly in Sitamarhi district, thousands of women once led lives centered around traditional farming and household duties. Their journey was marked by dependency on external markets for farming inputs and limited profit margins. This scenario inspired a transformative idea: why not create a company that caters to their needs?

The Birth of दियामाटी FPC

On July 28, 2023, दियामाटी फार्मर प्रोड्यूसर कंपनी लिमिटेड (FPC) was founded by Sangeeta Devi. This initiative, supported by Bihar Sustainable Livelihood Development (BSLD) and Samagra Shiksha Evam Vikas Sansthan (SSEVS), has become a beacon of collective leadership and rural female entrepreneurship.

Training and Empowerment

The journey wasn't easy. Many women had never heard of companies, shares, or business. The team organized village-to-village meetings to explain that they were not beneficiaries of a government scheme but owners of their own company. Training sessions on financial literacy, banking, digital payments, record-keeping, and business operations were conducted to prepare them.

Product Innovation: 'दमदार दाना'

दियामाटी FPC didn't just focus on farming. Recognizing the importance of livestock in rural incomes, the company developed 'दमदार दाना', a locally sourced, balanced animal feed. This innovation has reportedly improved livestock health, weight gain, and reproductive performance, while also saving farmers' time and costs.

Government Support

दियामाटी FPC's growth aligns with government initiatives to support Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) and Women Self-Help Groups (SHGs). The Central Government's 10,000 FPOs scheme aims to organize farmers for better market, technology, and finance access. In Bihar, जीविका (JEEViKA) connects women to SHGs for entrepreneurship and financial empowerment.

Impact on Women

The most significant change has been in women's self-confidence. Many have now engaged with banking systems, learned digital payments, and started making business decisions. This shift has not only boosted family incomes but also created new leadership roles at the village level.

Future Plans

दियामाटी FPC aims to expand 'दमदार दाना' to other districts in Bihar and diversify into areas like animal feed supplements, green fodder, organic fertilizers, agricultural inputs, and food processing. The approval of a feed processing unit under the Prime Minister Micro Food Industries Upgrade Scheme (PMFME) and recognition from Heifer International are pivotal steps in this direction.

Conclusion

दियामाटी FPC's story underscores that significant change often begins with small questions. The women of Sitamarhi asked why not create a company for their needs, and today, their initiative stands as a testament to economic empowerment, self-confidence, and a new model of rural entrepreneurship.

Call-to-Action

Discover more about rural women empowerment and collective entrepreneurship at blogy.in.

Internal Links:

• Bihar Sustainable Livelihood Development
• Samagra Shiksha Evam Vikas Sansthan
• जीविका

External Link:

• World Bank's Rural Livelihoods Initiative

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