Vrutti

From Four Sheep to Thirty: Devi’s Journey

For 38-year-old M.C. Devi, supporting a family of eight was never easy. With one acre of rainfed land, four sheep and irregular daily wage work, her family’s annual income was around ₹40,000.

Things began to change when she joined Yallampalli FPCL and its Self-Help Group in February 2021.

Through training and support from Vrutti and the FPCL, Devi learned improved farming practices, sheep rearing and financial management. With a ₹30,000 livelihood loan, she bought additional sheep and gradually built her flock.

Today, she owns 30 Deccani sheep, up from just four. She has also increased her maize yield from 18 to 28 quintals per acre.

Her annual household income has grown from ₹40,000 to ₹1.5 lakh. She has saved nearly ₹80,000, cleared her debts, renovated her home and invested in her children’s education.

Her progress is also inspiring others. Neighbouring farmers and Self-Help Group members now turn to Devi for advice on sheep rearing.

With a more secure livelihood, she hopes to expand her flock to 60 sheep.

From struggling to meet household expenses to guiding other farmers, Devi’s journey shows how the right support and a new livelihood can help a family move forward.

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