“My day starts at 5:00 in the morning, getting into the groove of turmeric farming, taking care of everything from the soil to harvesting the golden spice. Besides my own field, I’m all about supporting local women, pushing for their inclusion in farming. We’re on a mission to create a more equal and fair community.

Often, people have this traditional image of farmers as people who own vast farmlands, usually men. But here I am, flipping the script as a proud turmeric farmer, breaking stereotypes and putting in the hard work from sunrise to sunset. Even though I’m handling everything from transplanting to harvesting, us women in agriculture deal with historical neglect and unfair pay. Right now, my husband is working in the Gulf, and we’re splitting our family responsibilities equally.

In the midst of growing turmeric and backing my fellow women, my big dream is giving my kids a solid education. I didn’t get to read many books when I was a kid, so I’m determined to make sure my daughter in class 7 and my son in class 4 have better opportunities. Every day, I’m putting in the work, hoping they can chase their dreams without the struggles I faced. Because, in the end, we’re the ones shaping our kids’ future, and I’m all in to make it brighter.”

• Jaya, Turmeric Farmer
  :