The best decision ever

Shanti Yadav was not sure of her decision when she approached Shwetdhara Milk Company in 2016.

“I was already struggling to establish a regular income by selling milk. In spite of spending over 90% of my productive time in my dairy business, I could earn nothing more than a few pennies,” says Shanti, who is now associated with Shwetdhara for three years.

Before Shwetdhara, dairy was not even considered a reliable source of income for the farmers. In fact, only 10% to 15% of the household in Pratapgarh has milch animals. Even for them, the earning was very scarce. Women, the primary caretaker of livestock, sold milk only to local middlemen or sweet shop owners. The returns were poor and irregular.
Shanti adds, “The idea of mandatory membership and payment credited in bank account was never heard of. But I am glad I took that decision. Today, I earn nearly INR 25000 every month. With my savings I could purchase more animals.

While I poured only 7.6 litre of milk per day in the first year, today I am able to sell nearly 19 litres of milk every day.”

Today, Shanti is leading her business with confidence. She has enrolled her son in a private school and also arranged for a home tutor for him. She is saving money for her children’s higher education.

“I am also saving money for my daughter’s marriage. I want to do my best,” says Shanti with great pride and joy.
The Shwetdhara Milk Producer Company is giving wings to the dreams of several other women like Shanti. Once treated with disrespect by their male counterparts, women farmers in Pratapgarh are securing their identity within their families and the community. Along with financial independence, Shwetdhara is also encouraging women to believe in their caliber and potential.

Lakhvinder Singh, CEO of Shwetdhara Milk Producer Company Ltd (SMPCL) explains –
“This is a belt where people had no concept of dairy business. People looked at us with amazement when we started creating an awareness about MPC. Things have immensely changed in the last three years.”

At present, Shwetdhara has 8,800 registered women members with over 39,500 Kg milk procurement per day.