Cow-Based Products Become a Path to Prosperity in Uttar Pradesh, Transforming the Life of Sambhal’s Anupama Singh

Sambhal (Uttar Pradesh):
In a remarkable story of rural entrepreneurship and women empowerment, cow-based products have emerged as a strong source of livelihood in Uttar Pradesh, transforming the life of Anupama Singh from Sambhal district. Once hesitant to step beyond the boundaries of her home, Anupama today is a recognized name for her innovative Panchgavya products, earning a stable monthly income and creating employment for other women in her village.

A resident of Baniyakheda village in Sambhal, Anupama holds a Master’s degree in Social Work. Instead of migrating to cities in search of employment, she chose to build her future within her village. Her journey took a decisive turn after she joined the Janki Women Self-Help Group, where access to training, low-interest loans and collective support opened new avenues for self-reliance.

With her first small loan from the group, Anupama started producing Panchgavya-based items using cow dung and other natural resources. Today, she manufactures a wide range of eco-friendly products including idols, diyas, incense sticks, wall clocks, wooden stools, mobile stands and herbal gulal. These products have gained popularity in local markets and fairs, fetching her an annual income of nearly ₹2.5 lakh, while ensuring a steady monthly earning of around ₹20,000.

The association with the self-help group proved crucial. Regular meetings encouraged savings, timely loan repayment and problem-solving through collective discussion. What began as a small initiative soon evolved into a sustainable enterprise, laying the foundation for long-term economic independence.

Training provided under the National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM) equipped Anupama with essential skills in product processing, packaging and marketing. As demand grew in nearby towns and villages, she expanded her operations and began employing other women from her group, enabling multiple households to improve their financial stability.

Beyond income generation, Anupama is also contributing to environmental sustainability by promoting herbal gulal, offering a natural alternative to chemical-based colours commonly used in markets.

Anupama Singh’s success story stands as a powerful example of how traditional resources, when combined with modern training and institutional support, can empower rural women. Today, she lives a life of dignity and respect, recognized not only within her village but also at the gram panchayat and district levels. Her journey sends a strong message that with the right guidance and opportunity, rural women can turn indigenous practices into thriving enterprises and become pillars of economic growth.