A Fortune Transformed by Bihan: Phulbati Markam’s Journey to Prosperity Through Fish Farming

Raipur, December 2025 : A family that once struggled financially to the extent that it could not afford its children’s education is today scripting a new story of progress through hard work and the support of government schemes. Mrs Phulbati Markam, Sarpanch of Gram Panchayat Churegaon in the Farsgaon block of Kondagaon district and Secretary of a Bihan Self-Help Group, has today emerged as a strong symbol of women’s empowerment and self-reliance.

Phulbati Markam joined a self-help group in 2011. Living a simple life, her destiny took a decisive turn in 2018 when she became associated with the National Rural Livelihood Mission “Bihan.” She recalls that it was only after joining Bihan that she became aware of loans, training programmes and various livelihood opportunities. Before that, the ideas of business and self-employment were merely things she had heard about, never something she imagined for herself.

After joining Bihan, Phulbati first availed a personal loan of Rs 5,000. Out of this amount, she invested Rs 2,000 in purchasing fish seed, while the remaining Rs 3,000 was used for household needs. This small investment proved to be a turning point in her life. From fish farming alone, she earned nearly Rs 20,000, which significantly boosted her confidence.

Encouraged by her initial success, Phulbati later took a loan of Rs 10,000 and gradually expanded her enterprise by availing loans of up to Rs 1 lakh. With continuous hard work and proper guidance, her income steadily increased. There came a time when her total earnings crossed Rs 1 lakh and later reached nearly Rs 1.5 lakh. Today, she earns more than Rs 1.5 lakh annually from fish farming.

Phulbati says that before joining Bihan, her family’s financial condition was extremely poor. While she dreamed of providing higher education to her children, it seemed nearly impossible. Household responsibilities, limited income and lack of resources had even forced her to consider discontinuing her elder son’s studies so that he could help with domestic work. However, once income from her enterprise began to flow, the situation changed completely.

Officials from Bihan noticed a pond already present near her house and suggested that she take up fish farming. Taking this advice seriously, Phulbati went to Narayanpur and underwent a 10-day training programme. During this training, she learned modern fish-farming techniques, selection of suitable fish species, pond management and important aspects of market linkage. The training proved immensely beneficial for her.

Today, both of Phulbati’s sons are pursuing their education away from home. Her elder son is studying B.Ed in Raipur and is also attending coaching classes. With pride, Phulbati says that she is now able to educate her children according to their interests—something that once seemed impossible. Along with this, she has also improved her house and living conditions.

In addition to fish farming, Phulbati has also taken up poultry farming. She says that poultry farming has also been profitable, further strengthening her sources of income. Diversification of livelihood activities has provided her family with financial security.

Phulbati believes that earlier, women in villages rarely had their own income. Today, however, the situation is changing. Women are learning to earn, becoming self-reliant and playing an equal role in family decision-making. “Women are no longer just homemakers; they are becoming financially capable entrepreneurs,” she says.

Today, Phulbati Markam is not only the Secretary of a Bihan group but also the elected Sarpanch of Gram Panchayat Churegaon. Her journey from a simple rural woman to a village head is truly inspiring. She actively motivates other women in her village to adopt self-employment and move towards self-reliance.

Phulbati believes that women should never lose courage. Small businesses can be started from home itself. With the right guidance, training and self-confidence, every woman can transform her life. She adds that effective implementation of government schemes has played a crucial role in her success—schemes that are not only improving the financial condition of families but also empowering society as a whole.

Team Maverick.