Mariammal is a member of the 5-member Madha women’s group in Susaipudayanpatti, Tiruchy. They learned organic methods of farming at the Keeranur model farm of the Salesians of Don Bosco, as part of an income generation programme for women through organic farming and production skills. MariammaI implemented her learning in her own organic kitchen garden, procuring organic manure from the Keeranur Farm and preparing Panchagavya (organic fertiliser) on a small scale. Her group uses organic bags to grow vegetables to manage the water scarcity in their village.

Mariammal says, “I am really happy to produce organic vegetables at home. The money I was spending to buy vegetables in the market has become a saving for our family. I now save at least Rs.1000 monthly. Our health situation has improved to a great extent. I used to be an ordinary homemaker who whiled away my spare time chitchatting with other women in my village. But now I am busy working in my garden and reaping its many benefits.”