Konda Usharani lost her husband at 20 and became the sole breadwinner of her family in Guntur, Andhra Pradesh.
Having stopped her education after Class 10, she did odd jobs as a house help and security person before she switched to farming on a one-acre land with turmeric cultivation.
The 38-year-old used pesticides for three years in the beginning, but realised the harmful effects of the same when she started facing health issues.
In 2016, she switched to organic farming after attending a few classes and rented a few more acres of land.
She now pratices paddy cultivation on five acres, turmeric on one acre and guava trees along the borders.
Along with organic farming, she also prepares her own fertilisers and pesticides, which she sells to other farmers via a shop set up in the village.
“The major ingredients in my fertilisers are animal excreta, cow urine, neem, bio compost and other natural items,” she says.
She has been selling organic fertilisers, seeds and pesticides online through her enterprise ‘Sri Vasavi Durga Organic Products’ since 2020 with the help of two students.
The produce of all farmers associated with Usharani is sold within 16 villages in Guntur through their website to avoid middlemen.
She also promotes women farmers as she knows the importance of financial independence and doesn't want others to face the struggles she did.
“I want the present and upcoming generation of women to understand the importance of earning a stable income to live a respectful life.”