Empowering Women in Agriculture: PM Modi's Initiative to Grant Certificates to 30,000 Krishi Sakhis in Varanasi
Media Desk
On June 18, 2024, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will recognize the pivotal role of women in agriculture by awarding certificates to over 30,000 self-help group members as Krishi Sakhis in Varanasi. This event marks a significant milestone in the Krishi Sakhi Convergence Program (KSCP), a key initiative under the recently signed MoU between the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare and the Ministry of Rural Development.
Krishi Sakhi Convergence Program (KSCP)
The KSCP aims to transform rural India by empowering women as Krishi Sakhis, or agriculture para-extension workers. This initiative is a critical component of the broader 'Lakhpati Didi' program, which seeks to create 3 crore women entrepreneurs, or Lakhpati Didis, across the country. By providing specialized training and certification, the KSCP leverages the trusted status of Krishi Sakhis within their communities to enhance agricultural practices and support local farmers.
Why Krishi Sakhis?
Krishi Sakhis are selected as para-extension workers due to their deep-rooted connections with farming communities and their practical farming experience. Their established trust and respect within their communities position them as effective agents for disseminating agricultural knowledge and practices.
Comprehensive Training Modules
Krishi Sakhis undergo an extensive 56-day training program covering:
- Agro Ecological Practices from land preparation to harvest
- Organizing Farmer Field Schools
- Seed Banks Establishment and Management
- Soil Health and Moisture Conservation Practices
- Integrated Farming Systems
- Basics of Livestock Management
- Preparation and Use of Bio-inputs and Establishment of Bio-input Shops
- Basic Communication Skills
Additionally, they receive refresher training with a special focus on Natural Farming and Soil Health Card initiatives, coordinated by DAY-NRLM agencies and MANAGE.
Employment Opportunities and Earning Potential
Upon completing their training, Krishi Sakhis take a proficiency test to be certified as Para-extension Workers. This certification opens up various employment opportunities under different Ministry of Agriculture schemes, each with a specified resource fee. For example:
- Soil Health activities: INR 1300 per year
- Cluster Front Line Demonstrations: INR 10,000 per year
- Crop Insurance Division (PMFBY) activities: INR 20,000 per year
- Horticulture Mission awareness: INR 40,000 per block
- Climate Resilient Agriculture Practices: INR 12,000 per year
- Agriculture Infrastructure Fund outreach: INR 5000 per year
On average, a Krishi Sakhi can earn between INR 60,000 to 80,000 annually by participating in these activities.
Progress and Expansion
As of now, 34,000 out of 70,000 Krishi Sakhis have been certified as Para-extension Workers. The training program has been rolled out in 12 states in Phase 1, including Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Odisha, Jharkhand, Andhra Pradesh, and Meghalaya.
Success Stories: MOVCDNER Scheme
In the northeastern region, under the Mission Organic Value Chain Development for North Eastern Region (MOVCDNER) scheme, 30 Krishi Sakhis work as Local Resource Persons (LRPs). They visit farms monthly to monitor activities, conduct weekly Farmer Interest Group meetings, train farmers, and support FPO functioning and marketing. For these efforts, they earn INR 4500 per month, significantly contributing to their livelihoods while promoting sustainable agricultural practices.
Conclusion
The certification of Krishi Sakhis is more than just a formal recognition; it represents a strategic move to empower rural women, enhance agricultural productivity, and promote sustainable farming practices. This initiative not only acknowledges the vital role women play in agriculture but also equips them with the skills and opportunities to drive change in their communities.
