Arockia Mary’s organic kitchen garden has transformed her life, her family’s health and even benefits her neighbours. Since setting up her organic garden and generating her own produce, she stopped buying vegetables from the market. This had a direct impact on the health of her family, which improved with the consumption of fresh, organic vegetables. She began to share her abundance with her neighbours, accepting their offered money in exchange, thereby earning about Rs.600 monthly. This earning added to her savings of Rs. 1,500 per month which she earlier used to spend on buying vegetables in the outside market.

This situation is the result of the poverty alleviation programme by Don Bosco Network in partnership with Vembu, Tiruchy. The programme promotes income generation for women through organic farming and production skills.

A. Arokia Mary along with 4 other women, are members of the Indira group in Susaipudayanpatti, Tiruchy, who have benefitted from the programme.