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Namaste My name is Sharmila Chaudhary.
I live in Haripur, ward no 3.
Our supporting organization is WPD Nepal and coordinating organization Manav Chahari sangh.
I am a member of Makhmali group.
Before joining Makhmali women group
I didn’t have anything, I didn’t know the importance of the group.
But after I joined the group I started doing savings from Rs.10 and then Rs.20. Now,I save Rs.50 to Rs.100 per month.
What was your condition before you joined the women group?
Before, my economic condition was very bad.
After I joined the group, I gained knowledge
Earlier, I didn’t know how to sign and was afraid to talk in-front of others.
After coming into this group, I took economic literacy classes and learned to read and write
I can now write my name and my children’s name
Can do calculations, learned to introduce my self. I have gained knowledge and skills.
How is your economic situation at home?
Before, my economic condition was very bad
From the trust fund, I took loan of Rs.5,000 and have opened a grocery shop
I have paid back my loan Rs.5,000 and took second
loan of Rs.5,000 and I have paid that loan as well.
Now I have loan of Rs. 1500 which have taken from the trust fund which I need to pay back.
How did you open this grocery shop?
At first, I didn’t know about anything. I used to spend my days roaming around. I didn’t have any land of my own.
I was interested to do something of my own. I wanted to do some business and earn for my family.
I started this grocery shop with the loan of trust fund, I am getting profit and the business is doing well.
My shop is getting better every day
I have many items in my store, I have fridge
Before, I used to go to jungle to collect fire woods, it used to take 5/6 hours walk
and when we did not get fire woods we used to cut green trees even. But now I use gas stove for cooking
I also use dried cow-dung to cook food. This saves my time and I get enough rest as well.
How is your business per day?
It depends, when I get good business I make Rs. 2000 in a day, sometimes Rs 1500 and sometimes it comes down to
R.1000 to Rs.900 and to Rs.800 as well. Before, I use to sell up to Rs.2,000 but now it is from Rs.800 to Rs.15,00.
What type of training are you taking from this organization?
I received cornerstone training, literacy training, organic farming, and awareness programs on women rights
I took organic farming training twice.
After taking training what have you done?
The organic vegetable farming gave me knowledge and skill to do potato cultivation.
I have learned about proper ways to use cutting utensils wiping it with kerosene oil before cutting the potato.
Earlier I used to sow the potato as soon as I bought from the market.
But now, I have learned that I keep the potato for 7 to 15 days before sowing it.
This process helps to get more production and also it prevents plants from getting deseases.
I have learned about the importance of vermin-compost and ways to make it.
We used to use chemicals and fertilizers but now we make vermi-compost at our house
which gives us good production and the vegetable is also is good for health.
How do you compare your situation now and then?
There are lot of changes in productions
Before we had low potato production and but now production has increased.
Earlier we used to use chemical fertilizers but now we have been using vermin compost which we make at home
Can you please show the vermi compost?
We get the compost by decomposing vegetable or food waste, bedding materials, and vermicast. These worms need food.
They love to eat the vegetables or food waste. We have to cut in small pieces before putting the vegetables or food waste so that worms can eat easily.
Can you tell us how you make the vermi compost?
These are the worms, they are thin and looking for more waste food.
We shred waste vegetables which these worms likes.This compost is a good fertilizer for vegetables
Can you tell us how much in quantity have you been able to produce vermin compost?
Just around 15 -20 KG
How do you use this compost?
I use this while cultivating clove, onions and other vegetables like egg plant, lady’s finger,
What is the benefit of using the manure?
Chemical fertilizer is not good for our health and also it destroys the quality and fertility of the land.
Chemical fertilizer is like a poison. But this vermi compost does not have any side effects and also it gives good production.
How do you sell this vermi compost?
I have not sold this compost till now. But I know that I can sell this for Rs.60 per kg.
After attending cornerstone trainings what changes did you find in yourself?
I would say many changes. I was not that open to others. I did not know that we need to help each other
But now I have learned that we need to help and serve others in need.
I have learned to live in a new environment with community feeling. I feel my attitude
has changed after taking cornerstone training with a concept of helping others in need.
Can you please share about women rights?
I have learned many things in-terms of women rights. I have gained knowledge on women isues and rights
I and other women members are implementing that knowledge now.
We no more accept any kind of discriminations or violence against women.
If any one tortures any woman then our group makes sure that the man apologizes for it. We know many things now.
What else have you done using Trust fund ?
Besides this, the group has used Trust fund for goat raising collectively
With our collective effort we have earned around Rs. 5,300.
Can you tell us about your children?
My children earlier they used to study in government school
now I have admitted them in a private school.
Can you share some of your plans for future?
I have many things in my mind. It also depends on how much profit I get from my shop. I would like to save money and buy my own piece of land
Can you show us what you have in your shop please?
This is my fridge. I think I have almost everything in my shop just the quantity is small. I have juice, pepsi, coke, fanta etc
I have many items and I have profit too
So what is the capital of your shop?
Currently, my shop is worth Rs. 70,000-80,000
In the end how do you feel being a member of this group?
how are you feeling?
Earlier it was very difficult to get loans. Now we have our own trust fund from which we get loans in low interest rate.
I had difficulties in running the grocery store but once I became the member I have been encouraged and I am doing good business. I am happy.