Chikhli: “Women’s power is the true power of society” goes the saying and Asmitaben Ashokbhai Patel of Soldhara village of Chikhli taluka in Navsari district has proven it right.
On the occasion of International Women’s Day, it will be surprising for many young entrepreneurs in Gujarat to know about Asmitaben and her journey of self-reliance. Despite coming from a farming family, Asmita runs her own industry and has made 10 other women self-reliant along with her.
It is worth mentioning that the Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference (VGRC) South Gujarat is going to be organized in Surat in April 2026. At the VGRC, emphasis will be placed on connecting local women self-help groups and rural entrepreneurs with the global market. Through this platform, women entrepreneurs like Asmitaben will get new opportunities to showcase their potential.
Born in Soldhara village of Chikhli taluka of Gujarat, Asmitaben Ashokbhai Patel grew up in a farming family. She learnt about farming and animal husbandry from a young age. She suffered the loss of her father while studying for ATD (Art Teacher Diploma), but her progressive in-laws and her own self-confidence became her shield. Even after marriage, she obtained a B.A. degree, and her knowledge and self-improvement never stopped.
Farming income was limited, running the household was difficult; during this difficult period, Asmitaben completed a beekeeping course in 2010-11. She started producing honey at home and sold it in the market. In 2014, she did a bakery course from Navsari Agricultural University. This enthusiasm and inclination became her identity.
In 2015, under the guidance of the Village Development Officer, Asmitaben established ‘Sahyadri Sakhi Mandal’ with 10 women. Initially, the activity of making mango, lemon and karanda pickles and seasonal products started.
With a revolving fund of ₹15,000 under Mission Mangalam, the production of ragi (nagli) based products, papad, biscuits and flour started. The products started being exhibited and sold at local, district and regional agricultural fairs. Then, after obtaining a loan of ₹2,00,000 for business purposes, a turmeric processing and grinding machine was purchased, through which the production of natural turmeric powder started.
Today, along with other women of Sahyadri Sakhi Mandal, Asmitaben started producing natural and handmade food products. Today, women in her self-help group take care of the honey packing and processing work from home, while other women make and sell pickles, amla candy, nagli wafers and bamboo handicrafts. These products are sold in the local market and are also displayed in grand manner in state and national fairs.
Asmitaben’s annual income is ₹10.20 lakhs today – meaning that today she is not just a lakhpati didi, but a respected and guiding woman in her village and community. She credits this success to the Mission Mangalam scheme and the efforts of the Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi to benefit the women in the villages.
Asmitaben’s work under the NRLM (National Rural Livelihood Mission) has earned her many accolades. She has had the privilege of meeting the Hon’ble Prime Minister three times. She has received the “Krishi Ratna Award” from the Government of Gujarat, and has also received the Agricultural Technology Management Agency – Atma Award at the district level in April 2015.
Asmitaben Patel’s journey is not just a personal success; it is a model of rural economy, women empowerment and sustainable development. Sahyadri Sakhi Mandal has set a unique example of employment generation using local raw materials, traditional skills and natural resources.
“Just as the roots of a strong tree are in unity and its branches spread out as opportunities arise – so our group also stands strong today,” says Asmitaben proudly. Her journey of self-employment proves that when women join together, their development reaches from home to society and from there to every corner of the country.
<p>The post From Farmer’s Daughter to ‘Lakhpati Didi’: Navsari Woman Empowers 10 Women Entrepreneurs first appeared on Hello Entrepreneurs.</p>
