Image Creidts – thebetterIndia
The husband of a woman from Matori village in Nashik, Sangita Pingale, died in a 2007 road crash. Sangita, who is 39 now, then nine months pregnant with her third child at the time of her husband’s death. Before that incident, Sangita says she lost her second child because of birth complications. But, the tragedies did not stop Sangita from rebuilding her life as she took up farming eventually. The road to Sangita becoming a woman in agriculture was not easy. She says she was told that a woman cannot farm, so she won’t succeed. But, Sangita eventually proved them wrong, as she had resolved to do so.
How Sangita took up farming
After the death of her husband, Sangita’s father-in-law and relatives supported her for a decade. But, in 2017, her father-in-law also passed away because of illness. Sangita became the only custodian of her father-in-law’s 13-acre law farm.
She explains the farm was their sole source of living. Hence, I had to learn how to labour in the field. But, relatives said it would be impossible for me to handle her home and woman in agriculture as an alone lady on the farm.”
How Sangita proved her naysayers wrong
Sangita successfully cultivated grapes and tomatoes on her 13-acre estate. Yielding tonnes of product and earning her thousands of rupees. She says she borrowed money in return for her jewellery and borrowed money from cousins to fund her farming venture.
Sangita began establishing plots of vineyards over the years, overcoming numerous hurdles. Sangita realised that men completely handle certain things after she started farming. But, she says that her brothers walked her through many parts of farming.
Sangita says, she couldn’t read or grasp the product information on numerous occasions. However, she learned quickly because she was a science student.
Sangita further says, “Technical components include driving a tractor, repairing machines, utilising tools, and going to the market to acquire things. I had no help and had to play the parts of both a guy and a woman. I learnt how to drive a tractor and ride a two-wheeler. There were times when I spent a whole day at the workshop repairing a tractor part.”
Sangita and her farm today
Sangita’s farm grew slowly but gradually. It now produces 800-1,000 tonnes of grapes per year, earning her Rs 25-30 lakh.
Farming, according to Sangita, gave her endurance and patience. She is proud that she is today known as a woman in agriculture. She is able to prove herself to people who doubted her, but she stays humble.
Sangita says, “I believe I’m still learning.”
She is delighted she was able to overcome all odds to accomplish this triumph.
Sangita says, “I believe it can only come from hard work, determination, and long hours of labour.”
Sangita’s daughter is currently seeking graduation, and her son is enrolled in a private school.
Meanwhile, Sangita intends to export her grapes in order to enhance her income. She says unseasonal rainfall and harsh weather conditions have kept her from meeting her goal. However, Sangita is a confident woman who says she will succeed in the following season.
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