It was a moment of immense pride for the entire State. Dipti Saharia, a progressive woman farmer and agricultural entrepreneur from Darrang district, earned a rare recognition by being invited to the prestigious At Home programme organised by the Rashtrapati Bhavan Cultural Centre on Independence Day. The event, graced by President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other national leaders, brought together achievers from across the country. Among them, Saharia stood tall as the lone farmer from Assam.
A resident of Jaljali Gariapara, Dipti’s journey in agriculture is one of determination, vision, and collective growth. Born into a farming family, she imbibed the basics of cultivation from her parents at a young age. However, what makes her an inspirational woman is the way she transformed her traditional learning into modern, entrepreneurial practices eventually leading hundreds of rural women into sustainable farming.
“My professional journey began around 2010- 2011 when I got associated with Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) Darrang. Initially, I would collect seeds from KVK and distribute them among fellow farmers, simultaneously raising awareness about improved agricultural practices,” she said while speaking to Asom Barta.
Saharia’s consistent efforts have helped her to develop a deeper understanding of farming techniques, including the concept of multi-cropping. Today, she cultivates rice and mustard on 70 bighas of land.
The turning point in her life came when she was introduced to the Assam Agribusiness and Rural Transformation Project (APART), which suggested her to open a Farmer Producer Company and accordingly Siroheuji Women Farmer Producer Company (FPC) was formed in the year 2022.
“I encouraged fellow women of my village to take up kitchen gardens with a focus on mustard cultivation which turned out to be quite profitable. At present, over 500 women are associated with the FPC,” she told this reporter.
Speaking about her experience of attending such an important programme at Rashtrapati Bhavan, she said, “It is truly a lifetime experience. Never in my dream did I imagine I would get an opportunity to interact directly with the President of India and the Prime Minister. President Ma’am upon learning I am from Darrang referred to the historic Pothorughat farmers’ rebellion and mentioned that she had already been invited to participate in the Krishak Swahid Divas event, expressing her eagerness to attend it in future.”
Saharia also had the privilege of having lunch with the Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan which she considers one of the most memorable moments of her life.
“This recognition is not just mine, it belongs to every farmer, every woman who has stood beside me in this journey. I express my heartfelt gratitude to all who supported me,” she told this newsletter.
State Agriculture Minister, Atul Bora wished her and posted in X, “On the eve of the nation’s 79th Independence Day, we are delighted to share that Smt. Dipti Sahariah, a progressive woman farmer from Darrang district and Managing Director of Siraseuji Mahila Krishak Utpadak Company, has been invited to the “At-Home Reception on Independence Day 2025” hosted by Hon’ble President of India Smt. Droupadi Murmu ji at Rashtrapati Bhavan. This rare recognition is an inspiration for our farmers, especially enterprising women across Assam. Heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to this champion of Atmanirbhar Assam.”
Senior Scientist and Head, KVK Darrang, Dr. Abdul Hafiz while interacting with the newsletter, said, “Dipti Saharia is not just a farmer but also a social worker, she goes all out to help every other farmer. Her achievement is a beacon of hope for rural women who often face numerous hurdles in taking up farming as a sustainable livelihood.”
