Case Study: Savitri’s Sugarcane Nursery in Mundwad
Savitri, from Mundwad, has cultivated more than just a nursery in her village – she has nurtured resilience and success. Her journey from starting a sugarcane bud nursery to thriving in a male-dominated industry is a testament to her determination and the support she received.
Savitri’s venture began with training at the Murugappa Group in Chennai, supported by CherYsh, where she learned the ropes of establishing a sugarcane bud nursery. She excitedly walked us through the entire process – from cutting sugarcane buds using a machine to utilizing cocopeat for germination and packing the seedlings. A remarkable detail is how she cleverly returns any waste from the cutting process to the sugarcane factory, ensuring minimal waste.
Savitri proudly shared that she sold approximately 8 lakh seeds last year – a truly impressive accomplishment. However, her journey has not been without hurdles. Initially, CherYsh trained three women from her village to help start the nursery. Unfortunately, they faced challenges with germination, and her partners eventually decided to abandon the project. Undeterred, Savitri pressed on, and her unwavering determination eventually paid off. Today, she not only turns a profit but also provides seasonal employment for around 10 people in her nursery.
Savitri recalled the scepticism and mockery she faced from others who doubted that women could succeed in such an industry. Her response was simple yet powerful: “People were making fun of us saying women cannot succeed in these kinds of things, which made me want to prove them wrong.”
Over the course of six years, Savitri has built a thriving nursery and developed strong relationships with farmers, creating a loyal customer base. Early on, she faced financial challenges, particularly in sourcing water for her operations. But her perseverance led her to own a borewell, solving the water issue and allowing her business to flourish.
Innovations for Sustainability: Savitri’s commitment to sustainability shines through in her initiatives. She created a vermicompost space to efficiently use waste cocopeat and seed wastage, demonstrating her dedication to minimizing her environmental impact.
Life Lessons and Support: Savitri shared her life philosophy, emphasizing the importance of navigating both sadness and happiness with grace. She spoke about facing challenges head-on and forging one’s own path. Savitri also highlighted the invaluable support from her husband, recognizing how essential a strong support system is in overcoming obstacles.
Savitri’s story is a powerful example of resilience and determination. Her journey shows how community support and perseverance can turn challenges into triumphs. Her sugarcane bud nursery not only contributes to the local economy but also stands as a symbol of empowerment, breaking gender stereotypes in the agricultural landscape.
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