Jamshedpur: In West Singhbhum, once a hotbed of Maoist violence and development deficit, a quiet transformation is taking shape in remote villages. Women are using govt livelihood schemes to move beyond subsistence farming and build independent incomes.Among them is 38-year-old Sushma Devi of Anandpur village, whose dairy venture reflects the changing face. A few years ago, her family struggled to meet household expenses, pay for her children’s education and manage daily needs. She now owns eight milch cows, which produce around 50-60 litres of milk every day.Sushma sells the milk in the local market and earns additional income by making ghee, paneer and curd. Her journey began after she attended a three-day dairy farming training programme conducted by the agriculture, animal husbandry and cooperative department.With new skills and confidence, she availed herself of a 50% subsidy in 2021-22 to start her dairy venture. Perseverance, scientific cattle management and regular guidance from govt officials helped turn it into a steady enterprise.“Earlier, meeting the family’s needs was difficult. Training and govt support gave me the confidence to start something of my own. Today, the business has given me both financial security and self-respect,” Sushma said.As roads, banking access, welfare programmes and livelihood initiatives expand into the district’s remote villages, more women are finding opportunities beyond subsistence agriculture.District animal husbandry officer Ram Narayan Shashwat said the objective of govt schemes goes beyond providing subsidies. “We are promoting scientific livestock farming and sustainable livelihoods. When beneficiaries adopt modern practices, dairy farming becomes a profitable enterprise,” he said.Deputy commissioner Manish Kumar said women-led entrepreneurship was emerging as a key driver of rural growth. “Stories like Sushma Devi’s show how determination combined with effective implementation of govt schemes can transform lives even in resource-constrained areas,” he said.
Sushma Devi at her cattle shed
The cows produce around 50-60 litres of milk every day
