Meet Susheila Siddi, a 43-year-old farmer from Yellapur, India, who has always worked tirelessly to support her family. With her husband and three children, she has lived through the challenges of subsistence farming, where every day was a struggle to make ends meet. For years, Susheila earned just 15,000 INR (around 178 USD) annually, barely enough to cover the basics. The weight of this constant worry about how to provide for her family hung over her every day.
“I used to feel like I had no way out. Back then, I earned just 15,000 INR per year, struggling to make ends meet,” Susheila recalls. “I never thought things could improve.”
However, everything began to change when she took part of JOY Earth Project, a partnership between TEL and Jaya Organic Yohana. Through this program, Susheila received hands-on training in sustainable farming practices, learning how to improve soil health, use organic seeds, and adopt more efficient farming techniques. With the knowledge and support she gained, her life—and that of her family—began to turn around.
Through the use of vermiculture, a process where worms break down organic matter into nutrient-rich compost, Susheila has transformed her farm and contributed to carbon sequestration. This practice not only enriches the soil but also captures carbon from the atmosphere, helping mitigate the effects of climate change. By choosing not to rely on chemical fertilizers, which release harmful greenhouse gases, she’s taking a significant step toward a more sustainable and eco-friendly farming method. As a result, her farm is richer, and the environment around her is healthier.
With her newfound skills, Susheila was able to increase her farm’s yield significantly. The tools and resources she received enabled her to move from struggling to thrive. One of the most impactful changes came through the access to microfinance, which helped her invest in her farm and expand her production. She no longer has to rely on uncertain seasons or poor harvests. Now, her farm is not just a livelihood but a pathway to a better future for her children.
Today, Susheila is earning over 50,000 INR (approximately 600 USD) annually—more than three times what she used to make. For the first time, Susheila feels in control of her future. She can now afford to send all three of her children to school, something she once thought was out of reach. “I can see a better life for me and my children—a life I never thought possible,” she says with pride.
This transformation wouldn’t have been possible without the support of people who care—people who believe in empowering farmers like Susheila to unlock their potential. Thanks to your support, Susheila is not just surviving; she’s thriving, and her children have a future filled with possibilities.
But Susheila’s story is not unique. There are countless farmers in remote communities like Yellapur who are waiting for the opportunity to transform their lives. Through initiatives like JOY Earth Project, we can make that transformation a reality for more families. But we need your help.
By donating to our program, you’ll be supporting more farmers like Susheila to access the tools, training, and resources they need to build a brighter future. With your contribution, we can provide the same opportunities that have changed Susheila’s life, allowing other farmers to increase their yields, access financing, and send their children to school.
Together, we can make a lasting impact.
Join us in empowering families, transforming communities, and creating opportunities for farmers to thrive. Your donation will provide critical resources that enable farmers like Susheila to achieve financial stability, improve their livelihoods, and contribute to combating climate change, shaping a future they once thought impossible.
You can make a difference.
