Smiles in the Fields: Sumitra's Journey as a Smart Woman Farmer

A Legacy of Cultivation

Sumitra Pradhan, a 39-year-old innovator from Sriramchandrapur village in Odisha’s Nayagarh district, comes from a lineage of farmers. Together with her husband, agri-entrepreneur Padma Ch. Pradhan, she has long been nurtured by her region’s rich agricultural heritage.

Trials of Traditional French Bean Cultivation

On her half-acre plot, Sumitra initially grew French beans alongside other vegetables. Yet she faced persistent obstacles:

• Water scarcity: Pumping from a nearby canal during dry spells was both laborious and costly.

• Seedling health issues: High seed and pest control costs—₹600 for seeds and protection—often yielded only 7% profit or losses up to 12%.

• Overall investment: Nearly ₹5,000 over two months, with ₹1,500 toward water facilities alone.

Discovering Greenhouse Farming

At a community awareness event led by Jeevan Rekha Parishad (JRP), Sumitra was introduced to greenhouse farming. Realizing its potential for water efficiency, climate control, and pest reduction, she seized the opportunity to modernize her practices.

Collaborative Support and Technical Guidance

With financial support from Jeevika Trust (UK), on-the-ground mentoring from JRP, and technical know-how via Kheyti (Hyderabad), Sumitra established her first greenhouse. This partnership provided:

• Structure design: Tailored to local weather conditions

• Tech integration: Drip irrigation and climate sensors

• Seed and planting guidance: Optimized spacing and variety selection

Maiden Greenhouse Cycle: From Investment to Profit

In her first 60-day cycle under the “Daspalla Fresh” P2C market linkage initiative, Sumitra:

• Invested just ₹500 total (₹100 on irrigation; ₹400 on seeds)

• Eliminated pest-control expenses entirely

• Harvested a diverse vegetable mix, earning ₹5,200 in revenue

• Achieved profit margins ranging from 7% up to 87%

Transition to Sustainable Organic Practices

The controlled greenhouse environment has virtually eradicated insect intrusions, allowing Sumitra to:

• Cease chemical insecticide use

• Adopt organic cultivation with minimal fertilizer

• Reduce water and resource consumption

Transformative Impact and Ongoing Journey

Greenhouse farming now defines Sumitra’s agricultural approach. Her success not only secures her family’s livelihood but also serves as a beacon for neighbouring women farmers. By blending technology with tradition, Sumitra’s SMART farm stands as a testament to sustainable empowerment in rural India.