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Women farmers in Andhra Pradesh, Bommishetty Bhanumathi emerged as a symbol of resiliency and optimism after overcoming the limitations of conventional expectations.The 45-year-old Proddatur native not only improved her life but also supported for sustainable agriculture and got the renowned “Rythu Nestham” award from former Vice-Presid
ent M Venkaiah Naidu.

The 45-year-old Proddatur native transformed her life and advocated for sustainable agriculture and received the renowned “Rythu Nestham” award from former Vice-President M Venkaiah Naidu.

Bhanumathi’s early years were difficult because she was born into a family of ten siblings who were all daily wage workers in Kuppuruvaripalle hamlet in Kamalapuram mandal. She was married off at the age of sixteen after completing her schooling up to Class 10 despite losing her mother at a young age. While living in temporary housing, Bhanumathi was forced to take on odd jobs due to her husband’s financial difficulties as a tailor.

Bhanumathi, however, was unwilling to accept her situation. She pursued chances with persistence, determined to overcome her obstacles. She set the groundwork for a better future by working as a Rythu Bazaar attendant, developing computer skills, and earning a degree via distance their education.

Her decision to attend self-help organisations marks a turning point in her life. She started a saree company with a Rs 5 lakh loan and later grew it into stitching shops that hired women. She gained recognition for her work by supporting small-scale businesses and teaching more than 2,000 rural women how to tailor. Rachinnayapalle village was chosen as a community development model by the World Bank in 2017 after her work attracted their attention.

Working as a Project Resource Person for the natural farming division in Kurnool marked the beginning of Bhanumathi’s journey into sustainable farming. She won awards, including the Best Farmer Award, for her creative farming methods in producing cotton, millets, and Bengal milligramme. Her achievements received worldwide recognition from institutions like the International Rice Research Institute and served as the inspiration for a short film.

Bhanumathi returned to Proddutur and acquired three acres of land towards natural farming. She proved that environmentally friendly farming can be successful by increasing paddy, millets, and legume yields using organic techniques like cow dung and liquid bio-fertilizers.

Her success story, which highlights the advantages of natural farming for the environment and human health, has been presented to representatives from 20 different nations. “My objectives are to promote healthy living and environmental preservation through natural farming. A better future for the following generation may be guaranteed if we encourage more farmers, she stated.

Today, Bhanumathi has become an inspiration to everyone trying to overcome difficulties, not just farmers. Her successes, which include the Best Farmer, Seva Bharathi, Andhra Ratnam, and Adarsha Mahila awards, are evidence of her tenacity and resolve.

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