This is a story of a woman’s hard work and dedication that changed her life and transformed the lives of many others in her village as well as surrounding areas. Though her humble upbringing and lack of education held her back from exploring options outside her village, it did not deter her from dreaming big. And it was this hunger to do more that led Kanaklata Soren to a training camp organized by the Adani Foundation (AF) near Adani power plant in Motia village of Godda district in Jharkhand.
For Kanaklata, who lives with her family in a small village of Nayabad, about 12 kilometers from the bustling city of Godda, the training camp was an eye opener. Having worked as a Suposhan Sangini (health volunteer under AF’s Suposhan project), she knew the role nutrition and a balanced diet play in a person’s good health. At the camp, she learned the harmful effects of chemical fertilizers and health hazards caused by them. AF’s training focused on the benefits of organic farming, a sustainable and environment-friendly practice that is not only good for health but also boosts farmers’ income. She was accompanied by her friend Bitiya Murmu, who was equally enthusiastic about the training where they learned how to prepare organic fertilizer from earthworms and cow dung.    
The training gave her direction and Kanaklata began her self-employment journey by learning the intricacies of preparing vermicompost. She diligently prepared the compost herself, working tirelessly to perfect the process. Her dedication bore fruit, and she soon began to sell 10 quintals of vermicompost, earning Rs 5,000-6,000 per month. Bitiya, inspired by her friend's dedication, joined her in this work. Together, they produce vermicompost and sell 4 to 5 kg of earthworms each month that supplements their income.
But Kanaklata was not content with her personal success. She wanted to share her knowledge and expertise with others in the village. She took it upon herself to train her fellow villagers on how to make vermicompost. The Adani Foundation supported her efforts by providing disposable bags and earthworms.
In no time, the villagers learned the compost-making process. They were happy to have found a new source of income. Soon, more than 200 farmers from nearby villages adopted Kanaklata’s approach. Many farmers started using vermicompost as organic fertilizer in farming. The earnings of farmers enhanced substantially. Each farmer can now produce about 1,000 kg of vermicompost in a bag measuring 12 feet in length, 3 feet in width, and 2.5 feet in height. It takes around Rs 2,000 to produce a single bag of vermicompost. When sold, it yields a profit of Rs 5,000-6,000.
Word about the success of Kanaklata's initiative spread to neighbouring villages. like Sondiha, Motia, Patwa, Basantpur, Rangania, Petvi, Kaudibahiyar, Gumma, Belvarna, and Dumariya. All of them embraced this sustainable source of livelihood. Nayabad and its residents became a beacon of hope for rural entrepreneurship. Farmers, who were once burdened with financial woes, now find themselves with a steady and reliable source of income. The transformation has been remarkable. Farmers’ willingness to adapt to their new circumstances and their desire to learn as much as they can about farming and organic fertilizers has ensured the health and prosperity of both their farms and their families.