Challenges of Women Ecopreneur: Insights from Avani Organics, Visakhapatnam

Abstract

Introduction: Women were considered the nurturers of life and nature, closely associated with Prakriti (nature) and Bhoomi (Earth). Vedic scriptures and hymns, such as those in the Rig Veda, praised nature as sacred and emphasized the role of women in maintaining ecological balance. Ancient women played key roles in sustainable farming, preserving seeds, and using organic methods to maintain soil fertility, much like modern women ecopreneurs who continue to drive the green economy by promoting ecological balance and sustainability. However, they face numerous challenges that hinder their growth and impact, including limited financial support, gender biases and regulatory complexities.

Methodology: This study follows a descriptive research design, aiming to obtain a clear and detailed understanding of the challenges faced by women ecopreneurs, specifically focusing on Avani Organics in Visakhapatnam. It relies on both primary and secondary data. A structured questionnaire was used to gather customer and stakeholder opinions, interviews were conducted with women entrepreneurs at Avani Organics, and focus group discussions were held with suppliers and customers. Secondary data were drawn from a literature review, case studies, government reports and industry journals. Random sampling was used to select customers for surveys and purposive sampling was applied to interview women entrepreneurs, government officials and industry experts. The study included 150 respondents, comprising customers (80), women entrepreneurs (40) and stakeholders (30).

Results & Discussion: Avani Organics, based in Visakhapatnam and established in November 2022, is co-founded by Bindu Kommana and is a brand promoted by BHOOMI Sustainable Development Society, which works with more than 11,000 rural farming families across 8 districts in Karnataka. In these 8 districts, around 3,500 farmers' lands covering 8,750 acres have been converted to completely organic cultivation of traditional rice varieties, millets, spices, pulses, poha and cold pressed oils. AVANI supplies produce to more than 400 retailers, traders, brand developers and exporters in south India and has created 15 organic outlets on a franchisee model, serving 20,000 customers every day. The survey found that most customers are in the 26-35 age group with female customers outnumbering male; most female customers felt that Avani Organics is a women-led eco-friendly business; the major challenging task for women ecopreneurs is work-life balance; both ecopreneurs and customers are highly satisfied with product quality; and most customers are willing to purchase only organic food items due to fair price.

Conclusion: The benefits that entrepreneurship programs provide can have a significant influence on women's lives and the communities they serve, making them an effective instrument for women's empowerment. Increased economic participation is one of the most important results, since women are given the tools, resources and encouragement they need to launch and expand their own enterprises, which may result in better financial independence and stability. Programs for entrepreneurship can also have a profound impact on women's self-esteem and sense of independence, and women entrepreneurs can gain leadership skills through training, networking and mentoring. Empowering women through entrepreneurship supports social development, economic expansion and gender equality.