On International Women’s Day 2025, March 8, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi handed over his social media accounts to six exceptional women from diverse backgrounds, allowing them to share their inspiring journeys, struggles, and achievements with millions of followers through his official X (formerly Twitter) account. Among these remarkable women was Anita Devi, a resident of Anantpur village in Bihar’s Nalanda district, who turned her struggles into success, empowering hundreds of women through agriculture and entrepreneurship.
She used this opportunity to highlight her journey of resilience, detailing how she overcame challenges to establish a thriving startup in mushroom farming that has provided employment and financial independence to many women in her community.
“I am Anita Devi, a resident of Anantpur village in Nalanda district. I have seen great struggles in life. But I always had a desire to do something on my own. In 2016, I decided to become self-employed. During that time, the craze for start-ups had grown so much. So, 9 years ago, I too established my Madhopur Farmers Producer Company Limited,” she shared through the Prime Minister’s account.
Her company not only focuses on mushroom cultivation but also supports farmers by supplying essential agricultural inputs such as fertilizers, seeds, and pesticides at affordable rates. This initiative has helped hundreds of women gain sustainable livelihoods while boosting their confidence and dignity. Anita credits her success to the training she received through the Bihar government's JEEViKA project and the National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM), which enabled her to master mushroom farming and pass on the opportunity to other women.
“Today, through mushroom production, I am working to advance my family. I have not only made my own path easier but have also empowered hundreds of women by providing them with employment opportunities, making them self-reliant. Now, my company also provides farmers with essential items like fertilizers, seeds, and pesticides at affordable rates. Today, hundreds of women working in this company are gaining not just a livelihood but also a life of dignity,” she expressed.
With the recent announcement of the Makhana Board, Anita is now planning to expand into makhana farming to further empower women in her village.
“With the help of the Bihar government's JEEViKA project and the National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM), I took training in mushroom production. After that, I connected hundreds of women to mushroom farming as well. Now my dream is that every woman in the village stands on her own feet. With the recent announcement of the establishment of the Makhana Board, I am also thinking about work related to makhana,” she shared.
For Anita, the greatest reward is witnessing the transformation of the women she works with. She firmly believes that economic empowerment not only strengthens a woman’s financial standing but also enhances her social status and self-respect.
“Seeing the women working with me become self-reliant is my greatest joy. I believe that economic independence is what strengthens the respect and social standing of women. Today, when the women with me do something good for their families, it gives me the utmost satisfaction,” she stated.
Encouraging women across the country, she delivered a powerful message: “I believe that if I can accomplish this, anyone can. My message to all the sisters of my country is this: become self-reliant and work not only for yourself but also to transform the lives of your families. If you resolve to move forward with dedication and hard work, no power in the world can stop you.”
Her inspiring story, shared through Prime Minister Modi’s social media platform, serves as a beacon of hope for countless women striving to overcome obstacles and achieve success in their respective fields.
