INDIA – From papad to prosperity

Assam, India – In Khergate, a small food stall has become more than just a place to enjoy hot pakoras, steaming momos, or crispy farsipuri. For the women who run it, the stall represents independence, dignity, and the power of collective effort. At the heart of this inspiring story is Aruna, an Aagewan (community leader) with the Self-Employed Women’s Association (SEWA).

Aruna’s journey with SEWA began modestly. She first attended a papad-making training program, where she not only learned to perfect the craft but also began teaching the skill to other women in her community. Her dedication and ability to uplift others did not go unnoticed. SEWA honored her with an award, recognizing her as a changemaker. That recognition lit a spark in Aruna, motivating her to dream bigger.

With SEWA’s continued support, strengthened through the APFP-FO4A program, Aruna gained new skills in food preparation and entrepreneurship. Armed with training and confidence, she partnered with fellow members to launch a food stall in Khergate. What started as a small idea has now blossomed into a thriving enterprise.

The stall offers both traditional dry snacks and popular fast foods. Locals and travellers alike come for farsipuri, nimki, and khurma—snacks rooted in tradition—while also enjoying modern favorites like momos, pakori, and chai. Beyond serving delicious food, the stall has become a gathering space, a source of livelihood, and a symbol of women’s resilience.

For Aruna and her team, the stall is more than a business, it is a platform of empowerment. It has given them financial stability, pride, and the courage to stand as examples of what women can achieve when they come together.

“SEWA gave me the confidence to turn my skills into a livelihood and the strength to inspire others,” Aruna reflects. Today, she is not only sustaining her own household but also nurturing opportunities for others in her community.

The APFP-FO4A program is implemented by the Asian Farmers’ Association for Sustainable Rural Development (AFA) and La Via Campesina (LVC), with funding support from the European Union (EU) and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD). The program aims to strengthen the capacities of farmers’ organizations to provide economic services, advocate for enabling policies, and promote sustainable livelihoods for small-scale family farmers across Asia.