Ms. Nabanita Das, educated up to matriculation and fondly known as “Potharkonya” (Daughter of the Fields), hails from Potia Gaon in Jorhat district of Assam. A progressive woman farmer with strong entrepreneurial vision, she has successfully transformed agriculture into a diversified, high-income enterprise through innovation, perseverance, and institutional support. With systematic planning and timely technological backstopping from ICAR–Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Jorhat, she has emerged as a role model for women-led agribusiness in the region.
On one hectare of land, Ms. Das has established a vibrant floriculture enterprise, cultivating marigold, gerbera, and anthurium, complemented by a well-managed nursery unit. In addition, she practices intensive vegetable cultivation on another hectare, growing capsicum, tomato, chilli, zucchini, cabbage, cauliflower, pumpkin, bottle gourd, and other seasonal vegetables. Further diversification includes a vermicompost unit and an improved-breed poultry unit spread over 0.5 hectare, enhancing income stability and overall farm sustainability.
Through continuous training, capacity building, and handholding support from KVK Jorhat—particularly in nursery management, scientific floriculture and vegetable cultivation, and poultry farming—Ms. Das has achieved remarkable production outcomes. Annually, her enterprise produces over 500 kg of loose flowers, 1.5 lakh cut flower stems, 35,000 quality seedlings, 20–30 tonnes of vegetables, 20 quintals of vermicompost, 1,500 poultry eggs, and 200 birds for meat.
Her produce is efficiently marketed through local markets in Jorhat and nearby semi-urban areas, as well as via direct consumer sales, retail outlets, and institutional buyers. This integrated farming model has resulted in an annual turnover of ₹30–35 lakh, with a net profit of approximately ₹20–23 lakh. The enterprise also generates employment for 10 full-time workers and 15 seasonal labourers, significantly contributing to livelihood security in the community.
Ms. Das’s success has created a strong demonstration effect, inspiring nearly 20 neighbouring farmers to adopt floriculture and allied enterprises within and beyond Potia Gaon. Her outstanding contributions to promoting women entrepreneurship in agriculture have earned her several prestigious recognitions from Central and State agencies and professional societies.
Further strengthening her global perspective, Ms. Das undertook an international exposure visit to Vietnam, sponsored by the Department of Agriculture, Government of Assam, where she gained insights into advanced nursery management, vegetable cultivation, and farm mechanization. Many of these practices have since been successfully adapted to local agro-climatic conditions. Looking ahead, she plans to further modernize and strengthen her enterprise through the adoption of advanced technologies.
Ms. Nabanita Das’s journey stands as a compelling testament to how institutional support, scientific farming practices, and women’s leadership can together drive sustainable agricultural transformation and rural prosperity. Her story continues to inspire aspiring women agripreneurs across the region and beyond.
(Source: KVK Jorhat, ICAR- Agricultural Technology Application Research Institute, Zone VI, Guwahati)
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