Saraswati Banjade
Saraswati Banjade, 35, is the inspiring force behind Shivashakti Agro Farm located in Tilottama-13, Babhani, Rupandehi. Originally from Sandhikharka in the Arghakhanchi district, Saraswati relocated to Rupandehi in 2015 (2072 BS) with her family. This transition marked the beginning of her remarkable journey into entrepreneurship, transforming her from a humble dairy shop owner to a successful agro-entrepreneur. Saraswati's journey began with her family’s decision to open a dairy shop in Kotihawa, Bhairahawa. The initial six months were challenging, with the shop barely making any sales. Saraswati even had to pay rent from her earnings from other jobs. However, perseverance paid off, and the dairy shop began to flourish. For five years, she successfully ran the shop, selling milk, yogurt, paneer, and other dairy products. Recognizing the growth potential, she decided to take a bold step and start her animal farm. This shift from merely selling dairy products to producing them marked a significant milestone in her entrepreneurial journey. She rented an 11-kattha plot of land and established Shivashakti Agro Farm. Today, her farm spans two and a half bighas and houses around 50 cows and buffaloes, producing about 100 liters of milk daily. The journey was not without challenges. The initial period of running the dairy shop was marked by financial struggles, with Saraswati having to cover expenses from other income sources. However, these challenges also presented opportunities for growth and learning. Saraswati's determination and hard work helped her overcome these obstacles, leading to the establishment and expansion of her farm. The transition from a dairy shop to a full-fledged agro-farm required significant investment and strategic planning. Saraswati secured low-interest loans from the Agricultural Development Bank, which played a crucial role in setting up the farm. Additionally, Tilottama Municipality provided technical services and advice, aiding her in managing the farm effectively. Saraswati's entrepreneurial skills were further honed through her participation in a program run by Daayitwa, an organization focused on empowering rural entrepreneurs in Nepal. Through this program, she gained valuable insights into enterprise development, including market strategies, financial management, innovation, enterprise planning, leadership, and community responsibility. This knowledge has been instrumental in her business's success and sustainability. Monetarily, Saraswati’s Shivashakti Agro Farm has grown substantially. She has invested around 8 to 9 million rupees in farm structures and operations. The farm’s daily production of 100 liters of milk, which peaks at 150 liters during the season, ensures a steady income. In addition to producing milk on her farm, Saraswati also purchases milk from other farmers, supporting the local agricultural economy. Saraswati’s venture has had a significant positive impact on the community. Her farm has created employment opportunities for several individuals, contributing to the local economy. While specific numbers of employees were not mentioned, it is evident that her growing business has required additional manpower, thereby providing jobs and supporting livelihoods in the community. Saraswati Banjade’s journey from running a small dairy shop to managing a thriving agro-farm is a testament to her resilience and entrepreneurial spirit. With the support of financial institutions, local government, and organizations like Daayitwa, she has not only achieved personal success but has also contributed to her community’s economic development.