A conversation with Meera Bai: A BRC business manager
Meet Meera Bai from Kutela Gram in Dindori District in Madhya Pradesh, India. Meera has been running a Bio-Resource Centre (BRC), which makes and supplies organic inputs like biofertilizers and bio-pesticides. A BRC is a small organization promoted by PRADAN: an Indian organisation that provides professional assistance for development action. The objective behind promoting a BRC was to have a centralized system of producing and distributing organic fertilizers and pesticides among other farmers.
Meera Devi worked as an Ajeevika Sakhi (literally translating to Livelihood Friend) before starting her business as a BRC manager. As an Ajeevika Sakhi, she received training on the benefits of organic agriculture and the role a BRC can play in promoting organic agriculture. She slowly realized the financial impact of running a BRC on her personal life. Meera recalls, “Earlier, I used to ask for money from moneylenders, and it was not a good feeling. Then I joined a self-help group and would take money on loan from there and repay the money on time. I felt good. I am running this Bio-Resource Centre, and I can proudly say that I am earning a good amount of money to support my family. And this is the best feeling.”