Rani Chaki, a farmer from Jharkhand’s Konkoa village, rose from tragedy to resurrect her family’s fortunes, becoming an inspiration for other women. She is now recognised as a changemaker in her community.
Rani Chaki’s story is nothing short of extraordinary.
The 45-year-old widow, who lives in village Konkoa, nestled in the Sonwa block of Chakradharpur district, Jharkhand, turned her life around from the depths of despair to become a beacon of hope and empowerment for her community.
Her journey began with tragedy.
In 2012 she lost her husband and the sole breadwinner of their family, which included their two young children and her elderly in-laws. Already battling poverty, the family’s situation worsened.
Due to personal conflicts, she was compelled to separate from her in-laws, leaving her entirely on her own with two children to support. In those moments, life felt unforgiving, but Chaki’s determination refused to waver.
Farming, the only skill she possessed, became her lifeline. It wasn’t easy, but it was a start. Despite the poor condition of her small plot of land, Chaki toiled day and night, growing enough to sustain her family. Her perseverance ensured that her children never went hungry, but she knew that survival alone wasn’t enough – she needed a way to thrive.
Also read: Cock a doodle do – how women are changing the pecking order in Banjhi Kusum
The year 2015 marked a turning point in Chaki’s life. She became associated with PRADAN, a prominent NGO working to empower rural communities. Through PRADAN, Chaki was introduced to advanced farming techniques that promised to improve productivity and income.
She attended workshops on crop diversification, soil health management, and sustainable farming practices. Rani learned how to grow high-value crops, such as vegetables, alongside staple grains, which significantly increased her income. For the first time in years, she saw a glimmer of hope.
With newfound knowledge and resources, Chaki began to see results. Her small farm started yielding better produce, and her confidence grew with every passing season. But what truly set her apart was a desire to share her success with others. As Chaki says, “Empowering others is the greatest success of all.”
Empowering others is the greatest success of all.
In 2023, Chaki took another significant step when she joined NABARD’s JIVA programme, supported by Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH. Designed to promote sustainable agriculture and natural resource management, the initiative aligned perfectly with Chaki’s vision of eco-friendly farming. Under the programme, she was trained as a Community Resource Person (CRP) and provided with resources to start her own initiatives.
Chaki transformed her home into a training and production centre, using JIVA’s support to empower other women in her village. She taught them how to produce organic fertilisers and pesticides from natural materials, package and market these products in local markets and adopt sustainable farming practices to reduce their dependence on expensive chemical inputs.
In addition to training, JIVA provided her with essential tools, including a grain-grinding machine, which allowed her to process ragi, wheat, and other crops. This created a new source of income for her and benefited local farmers, who no longer had to travel far for milling services.
Chaki’s efforts quickly gained momentum. Women from neighbouring villages began attending her training sessions, eager to learn and implement her techniques. By the end of 2023, Chaki had trained over 150 women, enabling them to earn livelihoods through organic farming and related activities.
Farmers in her region report increased yields, reduced input costs, and healthier soil. Her locally produced organic inputs and grain-grinding services have become essential for small farmers, boosting local incomes.
Despite her achievements, Chaki remains focused on the road ahead. She said, “I want to expand organic farming practices to every corner of the block and establish a permanent resource centre where farmers can access training, tools, and market information. I also dream of building a network of empowered women leaders to replicate the model in other regions.”
Also read: Why natural farming stops Maha villagers migrating
Chaki also advocates for sustainable practices that preserve soil fertility, conserve water, and protect biodiversity.
The women Chaki has trained have become financially independent, contributing to their families and breaking free from the cycle of poverty. Many of them credit Chaki for giving them the knowledge and confidence to succeed.
Sumitra Didi, one of Chaki’s trainees, shared, “Rani helped me learn organic farming and make fertilisers at home. I now sell these in local markets, earning more than I ever imagined. She doesn’t just teach; she gives us hope.”
Nishu Nishant, a team leader at PRADAN, highlighted Chaki’s impact and said, “Rani’s dedication is unmatched. Her transformation from a struggling widow to a community leader is extraordinary. She has shown how grassroots efforts can create lasting change.”
Chaki’s leadership didn’t go unnoticed. In 2024, she was appointed as a Block Resource Person (BRP), and she now oversees development initiatives across the entire Sonwa block. Her duties include conducting capacity-building workshops for farmers and women’s self-help groups (SHGs), advocating for sustainable farming practices and water conservation as well as facilitating market access for organic products and ensuring fair prices for farmers.
Chaki’s efforts have brought tangible benefits to her community. Local markets have also seen a transformation. Organic products from Konkoa and nearby villages are in high demand, thanks to the quality and affordability of the items produced under Chaki’s guidance.
Rani Chaki’s story is a powerful reminder of the resilience of the human spirit. Her journey inspires countless others, proving that one person’s courage and commitment can transform an entire community.
Also read: How an Andhra woman inspired her village to adopt natural farming
The lead image on top depicts Rani Chaki demonstrating a natural farming technique to other women in the village. (Photo by Monika Marandi)
Journalist Monika Marandi is an IIMC alumna. She set up Sakhua, the first adivasi website, which is run by tribal women from India. She wants to integrate more tribal voices into society and the mainstream media.
