Parwati Murmu is a tribal woman from Lalpur Tola in Bangalgarh, Chandan block of Banka district. After her husband, the late Kamal Marandi, died several years ago, she was left to support her family alone with a small landholding and no steady income.
When PGVS started a goat-rearing group in her village, Parwati joined as an active member. She was trained in scientific goat rearing, animal health management, pasture management, vaccination schedules and livelihood planning, and received two improved-breed goats along with regular veterinary support.
Her flock has grown to six goats, several of which give birth to four kids a year. Selling goats in the local market now earns her ₹10,000 to ₹15,000 a year. With that income she has repaired her house and kept her children in school.
Parwati now speaks at village meetings and encourages other women in her group to take up goat rearing as a sustainable livelihood.