Goat farming sparks a pink revolution in Seemanchal; Jeevika sisters transform economic landscape across four districts

Patna, October 3: (ABN) In Bihar’s rural areas, the Jeevika self-help group-based model is continuously generating new and encouraging opportunities to strengthen women’s economic participation. In this context, today, four districts of South Bihar—Araria, Purnia, Katihar, and Kishanganj—have witnessed a complete transformation of the rural economy through the Pink Revolution (goat rearing and meat production) by Jeevika Didi. The alliance of approximately 20,000 women associated with South Bihar Jeevika Goat Producer Company Limited has made history with a total business turnover of over 15 crore rupees.

Established in December 2020 and commencing commercial activities in September 2021, the company has transformed goat farming into an organized, value-chain-based business. By August 2026, 19,956 (approximately 20,000) shareholders have been linked with the company, with their total share capital reaching 99.78 lakh rupees.

Considering the statistics, with the help of Jeevika Didi associated with South Bihar Jeevika Goat Producer Company Limited, the company’s business has grown from 25.50 lakh rupees in fiscal year 2021-22 to 530.63 lakh (approximately 5.31 crore) rupees in 2025-26. This signifies an increase of more than 20 times in annual turnover over the past five years.

According to Jeevika officials, payments to farmers from the goat rearing and meat production business in the state’s four districts were 11.47 lakh rupees in 2021-22, which increased to 146.70 lakh rupees in 2025-26. By August 2026, the company has recorded a total business of 15.49 crore rupees and has made payments of 5.71 crore rupees to women directly engaged in the business.

Authorities also stated that the company has adopted a system of transparent pricing based on live body weight. To facilitate trading, 44 demo collection centers have been established at the block level. A network of more than 700 trained "Pashu Sevikas" is working to provide veterinary services to villages. In 2025-26, over 2.15 lakh deworming and 1.95 lakh vaccination services were provided. Furthermore, through the South Bihar Jeevika Meat Outlet, 14,566 kilograms of meat were sold by August 2026, generating a business of over 1.03 crore rupees.

In this regard, Mr. Sharan Kumar, Minister of Rural Development, Information, and Public Relations, stated that the unity of 20,000 women in goat rearing in South Bihar has made history with a business of 15 crore rupees. This success is a clear example that great things can be achieved when rural women are engaged in organized and collective business. In line with the vision of former Chief Minister Mr. Nitish Kumar, our Didi Jeevika is becoming self-reliant and empowered. By linking goat rearing in South Bihar with organized markets and scientific techniques, Jeevika has eliminated the role of middlemen and provided direct economic benefits to women. The Department of Rural Development is fully committed to extending this successful model to other parts of the state.