Sobita Tamuli: Growing Entrepreneurship from Assam's Soil

Eco‑Village Entrepreneur & Community Pioneer

From a Simple Idea Blossoming

In 2002, at just 18 and with minimal formal education, Sobita Tamuli from Telana village in Assam started an extraordinary journey. What began as a humble experiment making organic manure at home transformed into a thriving enterprise. The recipe was simple - cow dung, fallen leaves, banana plant waste, earthworms, and khar - but impactful and rooted in sustainability. Packaged affordably as "Kesuhaar," this organic manure became a trusted product among local farmers and nurseries.

Launching Seuji: Women-Led and Authentic

Determined to ensure her community benefited directly, Sobita formed "Seuji," an all-women self-help group that handled every part of production and sales. From manufacturing to marketing, they bypassed middlemen, empowering themselves economically while showcasing that small ideas can ignite change. Sobita’s leadership turned rural potential into a grassroots movement.

Crafting Culture and Commerce

Not stopping at manure, Sobita diversified into creating traditional Assamese japis - beautiful conical hats often worn during festivals or used as decor. These handcrafted pieces appealed to both locals and visitors, enriching cultural pride and generating new income streams.

Rural Enterprise Redefined

With both Kesuhaar and japis under her brand, Sobita’s venture strengthened economic self-reliance in her village. "We decided it would be wiser to handle the sale ourselves rather than depending on middlemen," she reflects - turning the village into a thriving hub of sustainable enterprise.

Continuing to Innovate

From compost-making to crafts, Sobita’s journey continues. Her vision now includes expanding into new ventures like incense, all the while keeping the community at the heart of progress. Her story reminds us that with persistence, even the simplest ideas - rooted in tradition and sustainability - can blossom into lasting impact.