Bandipora Girl Turns Dairy Dream into Rural Success Story 

Convener News Desk

Bandipora, September 12: Adina Akhter found herself seated nervously in a corner of the event hall. With her father by her side, she looked around and saw the room filled with male applicants. As one of the few women present, doubts began to creep in. “How can I possibly make it to the finals?” she wondered anxiously.

When her name was called, she gathered all her courage and stepped forward to present her business idea for a livelihood unit. What happened afterward is a blur. All she clearly remembers is receiving a call from CHINAR International: “You’ve made it to the finals. Congratulations!”

“My heart was racing. I couldn’t contain my joy. I ran around the room, screaming,” Adina Akhter recalls with a smile.

Coming from a remote village in Bandipora district, Adina had a happy and thriving childhood. Her family owned a farm and were well-known milk suppliers in the area. As the eldest of seven children, she enjoyed a relatively comfortable upbringing.

Then came the devastating floods of 2014, which destroyed much of her neighborhood, including her home. All the family was left with was their livestock, which they eventually had to sell in order to build a makeshift shack to live in. The floods pushed the family into a period of deep uncertainty about the future.

Despite the many hardships her family faced over the years, Adina remained committed to supporting them while holding on to her own dreams. She had learned a lot from working with her family’s dairy business and dreamed of starting her own dairy farm one day. She also wanted to contribute to her siblings’ education and lift her family out of poverty. But financial constraints made it seem nearly impossible.

In 2022, during this difficult time, Adina came across CHINAR International’s Small Business Support initiative under its Youth Development Program. She applied and was selected among the top 20 through a rigorous three-tier selection process.

“Living with eight other members in one room is tough. It’s a miserable existence, rainwater leaks in, and surviving the winters here is extremely challenging without windows or doors. I’m determined to lift my family out of this poverty and provide my siblings with a good education,” Adina said during her presentation. “I believe in my capability, and I’m committed to making this happen,” she added.

Adina was provided with two Holstein cows, one of which was seven months pregnant, along with a calf to kick-start her dairy unit. Managing her own farm gave her the opportunity to generate steady income through the sale of milk, calves, and other dairy products.

She officially graduated from the program on November 13, 2024, having met all financial obligations and demonstrated her ability to independently sustain and grow her business. In just two years, Adina has completely turned her life around. She now earns over ₹25,000 a month, ensuring both financial stability and growth.

The organization supported her with ₹1,50,000, of which she successfully repaid ₹1,20,000. As a result, she was awarded a 20% rebate, amounting to ₹30,000, further strengthening her journey toward financial self-sufficiency.

One of her most significant achievements is building a concrete house to replace the tin shed her family once lived in, greatly improving their living conditions. She also helped fund her siblings’ education, demonstrating her deep commitment to their future. Alongside her business success, Adina completed her graduation, proving it’s never too late to learn and grow.

Her story is an inspiring example of how resilience, smart choices, and a commitment to others can pave the way for a brighter future.

Adina Akhter’s journey embodies the spirit of women’s empowerment, showcasing innovation, determination, and unwavering dedication. Her story stands as a testament to the transformative power of perseverance and community-based support. This financial stability has not only benefited Adina personally but also improved the overall well-being of her family, allowing them to meet their basic needs and pursue their aspirations.

“The support of CHINAR International has been a great help to me. I built my house, took care of my siblings’ education, and completed my own studies. I want to thank CHINAR International from the core of my heart as they became my strength in this journey.”