Like many smallholder farmers, Sudha Kumari’s agricultural journey started with traditional crops, primarily paddy, on her one-acre farm in Azamgarh, Uttar Pradesh. But conventional farming methods brought challenges: limited crop rotation, low yields, and only two harvests a year, resulting in a modest income and limited opportunities for growth.

The turning point came when Sudha was introduced to biofortified crops, specifically Iron Pearl Millet (IPM), by HarvestPlus Solutions and UPPRO, with the support of the Government of Canada through a HarvestPlus-funded project the “Expanding Nutrients in Food Systems” (ENFS). Motivated to innovate, Sudha planted IPM on 0.5 acres of her land. Although yields were slightly lower than her previous paddy harvest, the iron-rich millet fetched a significantly higher market value, earning her INR 18,900 – a 70 percent increase from her earlier income of INR 10,400 – showcasing the economic benefits of biofortified crops.

Sudha took her innovation to the next level by creating value-added products, such as nutritious IPM laddu and barfi, which quickly gained popularity among her neighbors. Encouraged by the response, she is now planning to launch a small business, generating additional income for her family.

However, Sudha’s impact extends far beyond her farm. As a trainer with Swami Ramkrishn Producer Company Ltd., she has empowered 854 farmers to adopt biofortified crops, teaching them how to grow more nutritious food, increase earnings, and improve family health.

Sudha’s story showcases the transformative power of small changes in farming, backed by the right support and knowledge. She is not only boosting her income but also fostering entrepreneurship, community health, and inspiration. As she says, “my goal is not just to rise, but to lift my family and community with me.”

Thanks to Sudha’s efforts, hundreds of families in her region are now growing more nutritious crops, enjoying better health, and building resilient livelihoods. Her journey demonstrates that biofortification is about more than just better crops – it’s about creating opportunities, health, and hope for vulnerable communities