Sheohar/Patna: In a small village in Bihar’s Sheohar district, Geeta Devi has built a successful rural enterprise that began during the Covid-19 lockdown, transforming personal hardship into a growing business that now supports multiple families.
A resident of Hathsar village in the Purnia block, Geeta Devi started her venture in 2020 when the pandemic disrupted livelihoods across the country. With her husband stranded in Punjab and household finances deteriorating, she turned to small-scale activities such as selling milk and handmade fans to sustain her family.
Turning Point During Lockdown
Faced with mounting financial pressure and the responsibility of supporting five children, Geeta Devi decided to explore entrepreneurship. Having been associated with the state-run self-help group initiative JEEViKA since 2017, she had received basic training and exposure to livelihood opportunities.
An idea struck when she came across a video of an ice cream factory run by a relative. She decided to replicate the model locally, starting production from her home courtyard with limited resources.
Building ‘Sagar Ice Cream’
Geeta Devi launched her brand, “Sagar Ice Cream”, and began selling locally. Initial earnings ranged between Rs 10,000 and Rs 20,000 per month, but demand gradually increased as her products gained popularity.
Today, her business has expanded significantly:
- Monthly turnover: Rs 2–2.5 lakh
- Annual turnover: Rs 30–35 lakh
- Distribution network: 18 local vendors
The enterprise produces multiple flavours, including vanilla, butterscotch, mango, apple and strawberry, catering to local markets at affordable price points.
Employment And Community Impact
Beyond personal success, Geeta Devi’s venture now provides direct employment to around 20–25 families in her village, highlighting the potential of rural micro-enterprises.
Her work has also received wider recognition, including acknowledgement at an innovation programme hosted by Indian Institute of Management Calcutta.
She is now listed among beneficiaries of the government’s “Lakhpati Didi” initiative, which aims to raise the annual income of women associated with self-help groups to at least Rs 1 lakh.
Expansion Plans Underway
With growing demand, Geeta Devi is preparing to scale up operations by establishing a larger production unit. She has secured a bank loan and invested in equipment such as deep freezers.
Her husband has since returned and joined the business, while their children are now studying in private schools.
Role Of Government Schemes
Officials said initiatives such as self-help groups and micro-enterprise support programmes have played a key role in enabling women to become financially independent.
Under such schemes, women receive skill training, market linkages and access to interest-free loans of up to Rs 5 lakh to start small businesses.
Geeta Devi said she hopes to expand further and create more jobs in her village, encouraging other women to take up entrepreneurship through platforms like JEEViKA.
