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In south-central Nepal, nestled among the lush greenery, lies the small village Kamalamai, part of the Sindhuli district. This village is home to Rukmani Adhikari, a smallholder dairy farmer whose life, like many others in her community, was once confined to the boundaries of her household. Today, Rukmani is a beacon of change, radiating the strength and confidence she has gained through her journey with the Talllo Rajpani Self-Help Group and the Kamalamai Social Entrepreneur Women Dairy Cooperative.
Rukmani’s days used to be filled with the humdrum of routine chores, her world limited to the walls of her home and the fields outside. She was shy, her voice barely a whisper in the bustling noise of village life. But everything changed when Heifer International introduced a transformative program in her village — Milky Way — in partnership with the governments of Nepal and Korea. The promise of Korean heifers, training and support ignited a spark of hope in Rukmani and many other women like her.
Rukmani joined the Talllo Rajpani Self-Help Group with excitement and apprehension. The group, supported by Heifer, aims to empower women through dairy farming. As the vice president of the group, Rukmani found herself stepping into roles she had never imagined. She began to speak up in meetings, her voice growing stronger with each passing day.
“Before, women didn’t get out of the house. Now we have formed a group. Before we were very shy. Heifer taught us to speak up.” — Rukmani Adhikari
Rukmani received two Korean Holstein heifers as part of the Milky Way program that brought significant changes in her life when the sturdy Korean breed started producing milk. These heifers were unlike the local breeds she had before. Previously, her cows yielded a meager 7 liters of milk per day, but these new cows produced a whopping 21 liters per milking session. The difference is astonishing. The milk, collected twice a day, is sold to her cooperative for dairy production, generating a steady income for Rukmani’s family.
To ensure the highest quality of milk, Rukmani follows strict hygiene protocols taught by Heifer. She demonstrates strict washing techniques including the post-milking dipping fluid to prevent mastitis, a practice she had never known before. The shed, cofinanced by the farmer and Heifer, was equipped with mats for the cows to sit on, replacing the hard, cold ground. Feeding troughs were installed, replacing the old method of throwing feed on the floor, and a water tank ensured a constant supply of fresh water.
Rukmani also learned about proper calf-feeding techniques at a Farmer Field School established by Heifer to facilitate training. After her cows gave birth for the first time, the calves were bottle-fed, ensuring they received the nutrition they needed while preventing over-nursing. The feed for the adult cows includes a mix included silage, hay, grain, concentrate, grass, and straw. Although silage is currently purchased, the cooperative plans to produce its own in the future. Despite the challenges of increased cleaning and the need for more feed, Rukmani has been determined to provide proper care to the heifers.
The impact of the Milky Way program on Rukmani’s life is profound. “Before, women didn’t get out of the house. Now we have formed a group. Before we were very shy. Heifer taught us to speak up. We were excited when we heard this program would bring the Korean heifers. We are confident that it will bring positive changes in our community,” she shared with a smile. The income from selling milk not only provides for her children’s education but also means she no longer has to ask her husband for money. The newfound financial independence is empowering.
Rukmani’s husband Madhav Adhikari played a crucial role in this transformation. He was supportive and involved in both farm work and household chores. “I try to help. I am part of her journey, not only the farm work but also the household chores,” he said. As the head of the milk collection center, he ensures the milk is transported to the cooperative twice a day, maintaining the quality and efficiency of the process.
The practice of Passing on the Gift®, one of Heifer’s 12 Cornerstones for Just and Sustainable Development, is another heartwarming aspect of the program. Rukmani received her cows from the funds raised in Korea and is now eager to pass on the first calf to another farmer in need. “One person made it possible for me to receive a cow so I’ll give the next one to someone else,” she explained. This cycle of giving creates a strong sense of community and support among the farmers.
Access to a 24/7 assistance line linked to Korean vets and local community agrovet entrepreneurs, or Heifer-trained community animal health workers, has provided Rukmani and other farmers with continuous support. Any issue, big or small, can be addressed promptly, ensuring the health and productivity of the cows.
Rukmani’s journey from a shy, reserved woman to a confident leader and successful dairy farmer is a testament to the power of empowerment and education. The cooperative, with its 190 members, is a thriving community of women who have found strength in unity and knowledge.
As Rukmani looks out over her flourishing farm, she reflects on how far she has come. The cows grazing contentedly, the sound of milk flowing into buckets, and the laughter of her children are all symbols of a life transformed.
“We’re confident the cows will transform our lives, … that we will be able to make more money by selling milk. … Our children can access quality education and healthcare, we don’t have to ask our husbands for money,” she said with pride. And in the quiet strength of her voice, one can hear the echo of countless women who have found their wings and are ready to soar.
A government-to-government initiative, facilitated by Heifer International, saw the transfer of 100 high-quality heifers and 20 breeding bulls from...
