Living in an urban township during her husband's tenure at ONGC, Subhana Hazarika always felt a deep yearning to reconnect with the land. While she dedicated herself to homemaking and small-scale pickle-making during those years, her heart remained anchored in the idea of farming. After her husband's retirement, the family relocated to their ancestral village in Nazira, Assam—a transition that marked the beginning of a transformative journey toward sustainability and self-sufficiency.
Back in her village, Subhana turned her long-held dream of farming into reality. With the support of scientific training from the Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) in Assam, she transformed her modest two-bigha plot into a thriving model farm. She built a polyhouse, dug two fisheries, and adopted organic farming techniques, choosing to eliminate chemicals in favor of natural methods. But her vision went beyond just cultivation. Drawing inspiration from her expertise in pickle-making, Subhana pioneered an innovative way of preserving vegetables—without oil or traditional spices—further reflecting her commitment to sustainable living.
Innovation in the Kitchen: Oil-Free, Spice-Free Preserves
Inspired by global practices like oil-free pickled cucumbers sold in departmental stores, Subhana began experimenting with local vegetables. After months of trial and error and applying the insights gained from her KVK training, she successfully developed a method to preserve various vegetables in their natural form—free from oil, spices, or artificial preservatives.
The result was a range of unique, health-friendly products such as tomato murabba, lemon peel candies, and other value-added items made directly from her farm produce. In just two months, this innovation has begun showing promising results, both in taste and shelf life. Even in Assam’s humid climate, known for encouraging fungal growth, her oil-free preserves remain fresh—testament to the effectiveness of her methods and her attention to hygiene and care.
Building a Movement: Training Women in Post-Harvest Techniques
More than just an entrepreneur, Subhana sees herself as a community enabler. Witnessing how small farmers often suffer losses due to unsold produce or lack of access to markets, she felt compelled to act. Her solution: train village women in post-harvest processing and preservation techniques, equipping them with tools to extend the shelf life and value of their crops.
So far, she has trained nearly 1,000 women across various villages, offering certification and mentorship. Importantly, she provides free training to women from Below Poverty Line (BPL) families. Her workshops not only teach preservation but also instill confidence and financial independence. For Subhana, knowledge sharing is the most effective way to uplift rural communities and ensure that farmers get fair value for their hard-earned produce.
She voices concern about how local produce is often exported in raw form, only to return as expensive value-added goods. "Why can’t our farmers do the value addition themselves?" she asks—a question that drives her to teach and inspire.
Reviving Forgotten Treasures: Indigenous Herbs and Organic Farming
Assam is home to a wealth of indigenous herbs and traditional vegetables, many of which are fading from daily use due to modernization. After returning to her village, Subhana made it her mission to rediscover these forgotten treasures. Through conversations with elders, books, and self-guided research, she learned about the health benefits and culinary uses of native herbs.
Instead of commercializing them as powders or capsules, she chose to create natural chutneys and pastes that could seamlessly fit into everyday cooking. Her aim is simple: to reintroduce traditional nutrition into the lives of modern families.
Her farm stands as a model of chemical-free agriculture. She uses no synthetic fertilizers or pesticides, believing that true sustainability begins with the soil. For her, organic farming isn’t just a method—it’s a commitment to the health of people and the planet.
Pickles as a Profitable, Scalable Venture for Women
Contrary to popular belief, Subhana has demonstrated that the pickle business can indeed be profitable. Without the need for a large factory or high-end equipment, she earns up to Rs 25,000 per month through her value-added products. Her secret? Innovation and seasonless availability.
By preserving vegetables at their peak and storing them naturally, she makes seasonal produce available throughout the year. Her model—simple, scalable, and sustainable—offers a viable entrepreneurial path for women across rural India.
A Self-Made Woman’s Philosophy
Subhana’s story isn’t just about entrepreneurship—it’s about independence, confidence, and conviction. Though her husband held a high-ranking job, she never relied on his success as a crutch. Instead, she pursued her own path with clarity and courage. Even today, earning slightly less than she did in the city, she takes pride in personally selling her products and engaging directly with her community.
To young women, her advice is clear: "Have confidence in your abilities. Never hesitate to do something new, no matter how small it seems."
She is also a firm believer in leaving behind a better world. “Buildings are not the only legacy we should think of,” she says. “Our children deserve fresh air, clean soil, and green spaces. We must plant more trees and live with nature—not against it.”
Subhana Hazarika's journey from a homemaker in a city apartment to a change-making agripreneur in rural Assam is both inspiring and instructive. Her oil-free, spice-free preservation technique is redefining how we look at food processing, while her organic farm stands as a testament to what small landholders can achieve with vision and dedication.
But her most meaningful contribution lies in community empowerment. Through training programs, advocacy for value addition, and revival of indigenous practices, she is not only uplifting rural women but also ensuring that traditional knowledge and sustainable methods are passed on to the next generation.
In a world increasingly disconnected from its food sources, Subhana reminds us of the power of local wisdom, the richness of our agricultural heritage, and the strength of a woman determined to make a difference.
