From monsoon uncertainty to solar self-reliance: Manglibai’s inspiring journey

By Vikas Meshram 

The story of 42-year-old Manglibai Hakra Garasia, a resident of Jumki village in Sajjangarh tehsil of Banswara district, Rajasthan, is an inspiring example of how renewable energy and effective use of government schemes can transform the economic future of a tribal family. As a tribal woman farmer, Manglibai has not only secured her family’s livelihood but has also emerged as a role model for other women in her region.

For the past four years, she has been actively associated with the Krishi Evam Adivasi Swaraj Sangathan (KASS) in Bhilkua, formed by the Vaagdhara organization. Through this platform, she regularly raises issues related to her village—ranging from crop failures to shortage of teachers in government schools—before the local administration, and many of her efforts have resulted in positive changes.

A turning point in her life came when she adopted a solar irrigation system under the Pradhan Mantri Kusum Yojana, a government initiative promoting solar-powered agricultural solutions. Under the scheme, she received a 3-horsepower solar pump, nine solar panels, and forty-five pipes, allowing irrigation from 7 AM to 4 PM even at low temperatures. This system resolved long-standing problems of drinking water and irrigation on her five-bigha farm. Previously dependent entirely on monsoon rains, the family lived in uncertainty; today, they have year-round water, leading to improved crop production and higher income.

Manglibai originally joined Vaagdhara’s Mahila Saksham Group and Gram Swaraj Group, where she attended training on topics such as women’s participation in Panchayats and organic farming. Through KASS, she learned about government schemes and the process of accessing them. That awareness encouraged her to apply for the Kusum Yojana—a decision that transformed her family’s circumstances.

Her family—including her husband Hakra, two sons, and a daughter—is fully engaged in agriculture. The fertile black soil of the region supports crops such as maize, rice, pigeon peas, and vegetables. With the new solar irrigation system, the family’s labour burden has decreased and irrigation expenses have reduced significantly, enabling savings of ₹20,000 over four years. Renting out the 45 pipes has also provided an additional source of income.

Between March and June 2024, Manglibai cultivated vegetables including chili, okra, cluster beans, coriander, spinach, and fenugreek, earning ₹42,500 in four months. From 2022 to 2025, her solar-supported farming earned her a total of ₹1,20,000. Assured water supply allows her family to complete sowing before the monsoon, protecting crops from pest attacks and ensuring better market rates because their produce reaches markets earlier.

Manglibai’s journey highlights the potential of renewable energy to transform rural and tribal agriculture. Solar power reduces dependence on unreliable electricity and costly diesel while benefiting the environment. Her success also represents women’s empowerment—overcoming economic and social barriers to emerge as a leader.

The role of community organizations has been crucial in this process. Vaagdhara provided her guidance, training and support to access government benefits. When policies reach the grassroots effectively, they can be truly transformative, and the Pradhan Mantri Kusum Yojana stands as a strong example.

Today, farmers from nearby areas, especially women, are learning from her experience and considering solar irrigation and organic farming. Her work is creating a positive ripple effect in the region.

Manglibai’s story proves that change need not always begin on a large scale—small steps supported by the right resources can bring profound transformation. It also underlines the importance of investment in renewable agricultural solutions that enhance both livelihood security and environmental sustainability.

Her journey shows that meaningful change is possible anywhere—from one woman in a small village to an entire community. Manglibai’s example will continue to inspire many more farmers to move towards clean energy and self-reliant agriculture.