Self-help group member Chanda Devi expands her late husband’s nursery business, creates employment for four others
Mirzapur: Turning personal adversity into an opportunity for economic independence, Chanda Devi, a 39-year-old woman from Dhaurupur village in the City development block of Mirzapur district, has transformed a small nursery business into a sustainable source of livelihood. Associated with the Uttar Pradesh State Rural Livelihood Mission (UPSRLM), she has increased her monthly income from ₹8,000 to ₹20,000 and provided employment to four other people.
Chanda Devi, who studied up to Class 12, faced difficult circumstances following the death of her husband, who had been running a small plant nursery. With the responsibility of supporting her family falling entirely on her, she decided to continue the business using the experience she had gained while working alongside her husband.
Having learnt about plant care, seasonal cultivation and customer preferences, she invested ₹1.50 lakh from her personal savings to restart and expand the nursery.
Initially, she operated with a limited stock of plants but gradually diversified her business according to market demand and customer preferences.
Support from Self-Help Group Strengthens Enterprise
Her association with the Entrepreneurship Development Project provided further guidance in managing and expanding the business. Through community meetings, group discussions and CANVAS activities, she received training in enterprise management, business planning, financial management, technical practices and marketing.
When she needed additional funds to expand the nursery, the project team assessed her enterprise and facilitated a loan of ₹1 lakh through the Himmat Prerna Mahila Sankul Samiti.
The financial assistance enabled her to increase the number of plants and organise the business more efficiently. She also received guidance on branding through banners and visiting cards, maintaining registers and financial records, enterprise registration, marketing strategies and quality control.
Monthly Income Rises to ₹20,000
Today, Chanda Devi’s nursery offers a variety of flowering, ornamental, fruit-bearing and shade-giving plants, along with species suitable for home gardens and landscaping.
She independently manages business decisions and financial transactions. Her monthly income has increased from approximately ₹8,000 to ₹20,000, helping her meet household expenses and support her children’s education.
Her enterprise has also become a source of employment for four other people, extending its economic benefits beyond her family.
Plans to Expand Nursery and Promote Organic Farming
Along with generating income, the nursery is contributing to environmental improvement by encouraging plantation and increasing access to greenery in the surrounding area.
Chanda Devi now plans to introduce more varieties of flowering, fruit-bearing and ornamental plants. She also intends to prepare vermicompost at home to ensure a regular supply of organic manure and make nursery operations more environmentally friendly.
In the long term, she hopes to expand the enterprise further and provide employment opportunities to more women.
Her journey illustrates how access to finance, training, institutional support and individual determination can help rural women build sustainable businesses. Through her nursery, Chanda Devi has established an independent source of income while creating employment and promoting greener surroundings.
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