When Anju Kumari of Samastipur, Bihar, got married, her biggest dream was to complete her post-graduation. She never imagined that her true calling would be found in the soil. Today, this determined woman farmer is not just transforming her own life but also inspiring thousands across India with her journey in organic farming.
Her story recently reached a proud milestone when she was honoured at Rashtrapati Bhavan on Independence Day. What made the occasion even more emotional was the fact that her very own products — Anarsa made of Cheena and millet idlis — were part of the menu served at the prestigious event. “It was the proudest moment of my life,” Anju recalls, her eyes welling with tears of joy.
From Village Fields to National Recognition
Born into a humble background, Anju’s tryst with farming started early. After her marriage into a family in Oriyama village of Dalsinghsarai block, she was encouraged to continue farming if she wished. With relentless hard work for 13 years, she carved a name for herself in the field of sustainable agriculture.
What began in a small hut gradually blossomed into a life of dignity and stability. With just two-and-a-half acres of land, she built her home, contributed to family finances, and chose the organic route when others leaned on chemicals. By using cow dung manure, neem cake, and natural farming methods, Anju not only restored the fertility of her soil but also inspired neighboring farmers to follow her path.
Breaking Through with Oilseeds
While she experimented with diverse crops like millets, mushrooms, banana, and papaya, her real breakthrough came with oilseeds. Today, she cultivates mustard, sesame, linseed, and niger (ramtil) and processes them into a variety of value-added products — oils, oil cakes, laddus, powders, and even natural beauty products.
“Oil is an essential part of our diet, and people are now conscious of consuming pure, chemical-free food. That’s why I chose oilseeds. From production to processing and marketing — I handle everything myself,” Anju proudly shares.
Training & Empowering Farmers
Anju is not just a farmer but also a mentor and guide. Farmers from nearby villages come to her for training, advice on seeds, crop practices, and marketing strategies. She emphasizes the nutritional richness of crops like linseed (rich in Omega-3) and sesame (packed with minerals and vitamins), encouraging others to diversify for better profits and health.
For Anju, farming is not just an occupation but a skill that ensures self-reliance. She also wants her children to learn farming alongside higher education, stressing that educated farmers can tackle markets more effectively and reduce exploitation by middlemen.
A Husband’s Unwavering Support
Behind Anju’s success is the quiet strength of her husband, Ramnaresh Rai. He recalls, “When we got married, she wanted to continue her studies. We had very little money, but I supported her in every way. I used to light a lantern at 3 a.m. so she could study and cycle long distances to take her to exams.”
With his encouragement, Anju completed her MA — something she values as deeply as her achievements in farming. “My husband is the reason I could become who I am today. Even at Rashtrapati Bhavan, I remembered his role in my journey,” she says with pride.
Leading a Chemical-Free Revolution
Anju Kumari’s story is not just about farming; it is about resilience, courage, and redefining rural women’s identity in agriculture. From a hut in Samastipur to the grand halls of Rashtrapati Bhavan, she has proven that with determination, knowledge, and sustainable practices, farming can lead to prosperity and respect.
Her journey stands as a shining example for farmers across the nation: organic farming is not just about food — it is about dignity, health, and self-reliance.
Inspiring Takeaway: Anju Kumari sowed seeds of hard work and perseverance, and today she harvests respect and recognition nationwide. Her life reminds us that the future of India’s food security lies in the hands of farmers who believe in sustainability and self-reliance.