Daijiworld Media Network - Shimla

Shimla, Nov 8: A woman who started a small business with just 20 litres of milk has now grown into a successful entrepreneur with an annual turnover of Rs 70 lac. The remarkable achievement of Kavita Sharma, a resident of Jangla in Himachal Pradesh, has become a true example of rural women's empowerment.

After joining a self-help group in 2020, Kavita got the opportunity to interact with customers at various events. She gained valuable market experience by participating in programmes like Delhi Haat, Sharath Mela, and the Shimla Summer Festival. Utilising this experience, she launched her own milk processing unit in October 2025.

What began as a modest operation processing 20 litres of milk a day has grown exponentially. In just one year, her business expanded to process over 800 litres of milk daily.

Kavita received a financial assistance of Rs 7 lac under the central government's Pradhan Mantri Formalisation of Micro food processing Enterprises (PMFME) scheme. With these funds, she purchased modern machinery for milk processing, packaging, and the production of ghee, cheese, curd and butter.

Her success story extends beyond her personal growth. More than 100 women from surrounding areas have found a steady source of income by supplying milk to her processing unit every day. Collectively, these women now earn a total income of Rs 7 lac per month.

Shimla deputy commissioner Anupam Kashyap lauded Kavita Sharma's unique achievement. He stated that she is the perfect example of how government schemes can boost and encourage entrepreneurship in rural areas.