Life is good on the Budha’s farm, where they live in a house surrounded by healthy goats, chickens and water buffalo. Its lush and orderly appearance suggests a family of experienced, hardworking farmers, possibly going back generations. But while appearances can be pleasing and impressive, they tell only part of the story.
To understand how this thriving agricultural enterprise came to be, you must first know that both owners rose from great poverty. Husband and father, Madankumar, was educated only to the 10th grade. Basmati, his wife and the mother of their children, received no education at all. “I am illiterate,” she said. “My mother and father never educated their daughters.”
Despite all the obstacles thrown at the couple, Basmati and Madankumar refused to give up, continuing to believe that life could be better.
The most important gift Basmati received through the support your Friends of Heifer gifts make possible? Knowledge. “More important than anything else, we received knowledge” — about caring for animals and planting food; about basic equality between women and men; about couples and communities working together and taking care of each other.
“If I had had this knowledge when I was younger, I would not have had to endure the hardship that I did," Basmati said.
Through the Pragatishil self-help group that Heifer organized as the foundation of the project in Basmati's community, Basmati received training in animal management, nutrition and breeding; planting fodder and kitchen gardens; gender equality; and Heifer’s 12 Cornerstones for Just and Sustainable Development. She and the other women in the group, whom she calls “sisters,” formed a tight bond.
“I never thought I would be able to do so much. But Heifer showed me I could!” – Basmati Budha
Today, goats are the family’s primary source of income, and this income has steadily increased year after year. All their animals have safe shelter. The couple and their five children eat a varied diet of nutritious vegetables, beans and meat. Their two oldest are now married, and the three youngest are all in school. Basmati believes that education is the key to ensuring that their children never face the grinding hardships she and Madankumar endured for so long.
Armed with knowledge about livestock management — and growing nutrient-rich fodder right there on their farm — Basmati expanded her herd from the two goats they received from Heifer to 25. Madankumar hopes to double even that impressive number. And the two hens they received are now a flock of more than 50 birds.
The inspiration Basmati embodies was nurtured by Heifer — and you. “What Heifer does is inspire people,” Madankumar said. “It increases their confidence. It makes them realize that with even a small investment, they can make a difference.”
Basmati and Madankumar are firm believers in Heifer’s power to help families build confidence, self-reliance and prosperity — power fueled by your generous support.
Through your monthly gifts, you are helping women like Basmati discover their inner strength and unleash their power.
