Sonika Leads by Example: From TGT Science Teacher to Successful Dairy Entrepreneur in Himachal

Bilaspur, November 2:

In a remarkable journey of determination and smart work, Sonika from Chuari village in Ghumarwin, District Bilaspur, has emerged as an inspiring symbol of women’s empowerment and rural entrepreneurship. A TGT Science teacher at Minerva Senior Secondary School, Ghumarwin, Sonika is successfully balancing academics with dairy entrepreneurship — proving that professional women can also take the lead in strengthening household economics.

Sonika began her dairy venture in 2019 with a single Jersey cow. Today, she owns six cows and one heifer, operating her dairy farm using modern scientific practices including a milking machine and chaff cutter for green fodder management. She regularly consults experts from the Animal Husbandry Department to maintain herd health and productivity.

Speaking about her schedule, Sonika shares that she starts her dairy work every morning at 5:30 a.m., finishing by 7 a.m. before heading to school. In the evenings, she dedicates another hour and a half to her livestock, with unwavering support from her husband and family.

Profitable Model of Self-Reliance

With 57 liters of milk produced daily, sold at ₹65 per liter, Sonika earns nearly ₹1,10,000 per month, out of which she secures around ₹74,000 as net profit after expenses — making dairy farming a strong pillar of financial independence for her family.

Sonika firmly believes that even with one or two cows, women and youth can generate a steady income and become self-reliant.
Her message is clear and powerful:
“Work smart, be self-reliant, and strengthen your family’s economy through dairy farming.”

She also expressed gratitude toward the Himachal Pradesh Government’s Minimum Support Price (MSP) policy for milk — ₹51 per liter for cow milk and ₹61 per liter for buffalo milk — which has significantly boosted farmers’ income across the state.

Government Support Strengthening the Dairy Sector

Assistant Director, Animal Husbandry, Dr. Kishori Lal Sharma, stated that the state government is promoting dairy entrepreneurship by offering ₹3 per liter incentive to registered farmers and ₹2 per liter transport subsidy for milk carried over 2 km to procurement centers.
He informed that 15 new Milk Producer Societies have been formed in Bilaspur district and 40 societies are already active.

Deputy Commissioner Bilaspur, Rahul Kumar, highlighted that several welfare schemes are being implemented to uplift farmers and livestock rearers, encouraging more youth to adopt dairy farming as a sustainable income source.

Through her hard work and efficient management, Sonika has not only strengthened her own family economy but has become a role model for rural women aiming to build a better future through entrepreneurship.