FROM HOUSEWIFE TO ENTREPRENEUR: KENILA CH. MARAK ’S PATH TO EMPOWERMENT

In the rural areas of Garo Hills, most women remain heavily dependent on their husbands for financial support. Their daily lives are consumed by household responsibilities and childcare, leaving them with little opportunity to pursue independent ventures. This lack of exposure not only prevents them from achieving financial empowerment but also limits their ability to emerge as leaders within their communities. As a result, many women are unable to participate meaningfully in decision-making platforms or contribute to broader social development.

Kenila’s First Step toward Change

Kenila, a woman from Asil Dikagre in East Garo Hills, devoted herself entirely to her family and household duties, leaving little room to explore her own potential. Like many others in her community, she remained financially dependent on her husband. Her story, however, began to change when she chose to step beyond traditional boundaries and take a loan under the Piggery Mission. Although she was eligible for Rs. 2,02,500, she opted for a smaller amount of Rs. 90,000. With this, she courageously started her own piggery farm, a step that not only marked her entry into entrepreneurship but also symbolized her determination to build a sustainable livelihood for herself and her family.

Growth after Piggery Mission loan

Before receiving support from the Piggery Mission, Kenila’s pig-rearing activities were very modest. She managed only 1–2 pigs annually, which provided little income and limited scope for growth. However, after accessing a loan of Rs. 90,000 under the scheme, she was able to expand her farm significantly.

Expanding production and income

With the new investment, Kenila began rearing 5–6 pigs each year. Once fully grown, each pig fetched between Rs. 23,000 and Rs. 30,000 in the market. This shift allowed her to generate annual revenue of approximately Rs.1.5 lakh from the sale of mature pigs.

Diversifying through piglet sales

In addition to this, Kenila also ventured into selling piglets. She consistently sold at least 10 piglets per year at Rs, 3,500 each, earning an additional Rs. 35,000 annually. This dual income stream from both mature pigs and piglets, has transformed her financial situation, giving her a total annual revenue of nearly Rs. 1.85 lakh.

Marketing of Piglets

She markets her piglets both locally and in the Williamnagar market. When selling within her local area, each piglet is priced at Rs. 3,000; however, when she takes them to Williamnagar, the price increases to Rs. 3,500 per piglet. This price difference highlights the stronger demand and better market opportunities available in Williamnagar compared to local sales. By selling in multiple locations, she is able to maximize profits and reach a wider customer base.

Marketing of Mature Pigs

In addition to piglets, she also raises pigs to full maturity. These pigs are kept for a minimum of one year before being sold. Fully grown pigs fetch significantly higher prices, which vary depending on their weight, health, and prevailing market conditions. This strategy allows her to balance quick income from piglet sales with larger profits from mature pigs, ensuring a steady and diversified source of revenue throughout the year.

Current Rearing Status

At present, she is rearing seven piglets. This indicates her ongoing commitment to maintaining a sustainable piggery business, with both short-term and long-term income streams.

Livestock Rearing

Alongside raising her own livestock, she also extended her efforts by entrusting three piglets to three different individuals, giving one piglet to each. This arrangement not only supported her own farming activities but also encouraged others to participate in animal rearing.

Revenue Sharing

Once these piglets are fully grown, they will be sold in the market. The income generated from the sale will be shared equally among her and the three caretakers. This system ensures fairness and mutual benefit, fostering cooperation and collective growth.

Community Impact

By distributing piglets to others, she created an opportunity for shared responsibility and profit. This approach strengthens community ties, promotes sustainable farming practices, and helps everyone involved gain financial benefits from livestock rearing.

Training and Skill Development

Kenila strengthened her entrepreneurial journey by attending a 10-day intensive training program at the Bolmoram Training Centre on piggery farming. This program provided her with hands-on experience and practical knowledge in areas such as pig rearing, feed management, disease prevention, marketing strategies, and overall farm management. The training not only improved her technical skills but also boosted her confidence to run her enterprise more efficiently and profitably. By applying these improved techniques, she has been able to enhance productivity, reduce risks, and ensure better returns from her piggery business.

Training and Support for Off-Season Vegetable (OSV) Service Provider

In addition to livestock farming, Kenila expanded her livelihood opportunities by becoming an OffSeason Vegetable (OSV) Service Provider (SP) under the Meghalaya Livelihood and Access to Markets Project (M-LAMP). In November 2023, she attended a one-week specialized training program at Bolmoram, East Garo Hills, where she learned modern cultivation practices, pest management techniques, and methods to improve soil fertility. Following the training, she received a support fund of Rs. 50,000 in 2024 to initiate vegetable cultivation. With this financial assistance, she diversified into growing crops such as okra, brinjal, chillies, pumpkin, potato, turmeric, and snake beans. This initiative not only provided her with year-round income opportunities but also reduced the risks associated with seasonal farming. By combining skill development with institutional support, Kenila has successfully built a sustainable agricultural base that complements her piggery enterprise and strengthens her financial independence.

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