Manglibai’s Life Illuminated by Solar Energy

The story of forty-two-year-old Manglibai Hakra Garasia who lives in the village of Jumki in Sajjangarh tehsil of Banswara district in Rajasthan, is an inspiring example that proves how the proper use of renewable energy and government schemes can completely transform the economic condition of a tribal family. As a tribal woman farmer, Manglibai has not only secured her family’s livelihood but has also become a guide for other women in her region.

Manglibai has been actively working for the past four years with the Krishi Evam Adivasi Swaraj Sangathan (  KASS) Bhilkua, formed by the Vaagdhara organization. Through this organization, she continues to raise various problems of her village and surrounding areas before the administration. Whether it is the problem of crop failure or the shortage of teachers in government schools, Manglibai constantly strives to resolve these issues together with the organization. Her efforts have often been successful, bringing positive changes to her region.

The real transformation in Manglibai’s life came when she decided to adopt a solar irrigation system under the Pradhan Mantri Kusum Yojana. This scheme is an ambitious initiative of the Government of India that provides solar energy-based irrigation solutions to farmers. Through this scheme, Manglibai was provided with a three-horsepower solar pump, nine solar panels, and forty-five pipes. This system gives her the facility to irrigate from seven in the morning to four in the evening and works effectively even at a minimum temperature of twenty-two degrees.

This solar irrigation system has completely solved Manglibai’s drinking water and irrigation problems in her five bigha agricultural area. Where earlier the entire family would wait for monsoon rains and live in uncertainty, now they receive a regular and reliable supply of water to their fields throughout the year. This has not only increased crop yield but has also brought remarkable improvement in their total income.

Recalling her journey, Manglibai says that initially she was associated with Vaagdhara’s Mahila Saksham Group and Gram Swaraj Group. During regular participation in monthly meetings, she was given training on various subjects from time to time. These trainings included topics such as the need for women’s participation in panchayats and the importance of organic farming. While working with the Krishi Evam Adivasi Swaraj Sangathan (  KASS)  , Manglibai learned about various government schemes and understood the process of benefiting from them. This was the turning point when she learned about the Pradhan Mantri Kusum Yojana and decided to apply for it. Her foresight and hardworking nature changed the circumstances of her entire family.

Manglibai’s family includes her husband Hakra, two sons, and one daughter. The entire family is actively involved in farming work. The black soil of their village is exceptionally fertile and ideal for growing corn, rice, pigeon peas, and various types of vegetables. After the installation of the Pradhan Mantri Kusum Yojana solar irrigation system, the biggest benefit has been that they don’t have to spend any additional labor. More importantly, there has been a significant reduction in their irrigation-related costs, and she has saved twenty thousand rupees in four years.

The forty-five pipes received from the Pradhan Mantri Kusum Yojana have also become an additional source of income for them. She earns extra income by renting out these pipes. Manglibai herself says that her irrigation expenses have reduced considerably compared to before, which has helped her save more and meet the family’s other needs.

The greatest proof of Manglibai’s success can be seen in her economic achievements. Between March and June of two thousand twenty-four, in just four months, she grew various types of vegetables including chili, okra, and cluster beans. Additionally, she cultivated green leafy vegetables such as coriander, spinach, and fenugreek. In these five months alone, she earned a net profit of forty-two thousand five hundred rupees. And most notably, over the past four years from two thousand twenty-two to two thousand twenty-five she has earned a total income of one lakh twenty thousand rupees.

The solar irrigation system has also given Manglibai a great advantage in time management. When other farmers in the village are waiting for monsoon rains, Manglibai’s family has already completed sowing corn. Thanks to the solar pump, they have sufficient water available for irrigation, allowing them to sow crops on time. Timely sowing keeps their crops safe from pest and disease attacks that usually occur due to late sowing. This not only gives them good yields but also better prices in the market because their crop reaches the market earlier as it is ready sooner.

Manglibai’s success is significant. It shows us how the use of renewable energy can transform agriculture in rural and tribal areas. Solar energy is not only environmentally friendly but also frees farmers from electricity uncertainty and expensive diesel. This is an excellent example of women’s empowerment. As a tribal woman, Manglibai has overcome social and economic barriers and not only improved her family’s economic condition but has also emerged as a leader in her community. It underlines the important role of community organizations. Vaagdhara not only provided Manglibai with information and training but also helped her access government schemes. When government schemes are implemented properly and reach the right people at the grassroots level, they can truly be transformative. The Pradhan Mantri Kusum Yojana has made small and marginal farmers like Manglibai self-reliant.

Manglibai’s example has become a source of inspiration. Other farmers, especially women farmers, are learning from her and considering adopting solar energy-based irrigation. This is a positive chain reaction that can benefit the entire community.

Organic farming can give the best results. She has adopted the principles of organic farming and is using clean technology like solar energy. This approach not only enhances the quality of their crops but also protects the environment.

Manglibai’s success demonstrates how the right interventions made on a small scale can bring big changes. Her story also gives an important message to policymakers that investing in solar energy-based agricultural solutions is beneficial not only for the environment but also for farmers’ livelihoods.

Finally, this inspiring journey of Manglibai Hakra Garasia reminds us that change is possible and can happen at every level. Whether it is a woman farmer in a small village or an entire community, positive change can be brought about with the right efforts and resources. Her story has become a source of inspiration and will encourage more and more farmers to move towards renewable energy.

Vikas Meshram is a journalist

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