On Tuesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi awarded certificates to more than 30,000 women from Self Help Groups (SHGs) as Krishi Sakhi. The move is aimed at empowering them as para-extension workers in agriculture. Lets find out who are Krishi Sakhis and how can they benefit from the move.
The Krishi Sakhi Convergence Programme (KSCP) is a vital component of the broader “Lakhpati Didi” programme, aiming to empower rural women and enhance their skills, particularly in agriculture. This initiative is a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare and the Ministry of Rural Development, formalized through an MoU signed on August 30, 2023.
Key Aspects of the Krishi Sakhi Convergence Program (KSCP)
Objective
The primary goal of the KSCP is to transform rural India by empowering women as Krishi Sakhis. These women receive training and certification as para-extension workers, enabling them to support and guide local farmers effectively.
Why Krishi Sakhi
Krishi Sakhis are chosen for their deep-rooted connection to farming communities, their experience as farmers, and their status as trusted community members. This ensures they are well-received and respected within their communities.
Training Provided
Krishi Sakhis undergo an extensive 56-day training programme covering various agricultural practices, including:
- Agro-ecological practices from land preparation to harvest.
- Organizing Farmer Field Schools.
- Establishment and management of seed banks.
- Soil health and moisture conservation practices.
- Integrated Farming Systems.
- Basics of livestock management.
- Preparation and use of bio-inputs, including setting up bio-input shops.
- Basic communication skills.
Following this, they receive refresher training focusing on natural farming and soil health cards through DAY-NRLM agencies in coordination with MANAGE.
Employment Opportunities
Post-training, Krishi Sakhis undergo a proficiency test to qualify as certified para-extension workers. They can then participate in various Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare (MoA&FW) schemes, earning an average annual income of Rs 60,000 to Rs 80,000.
Current Certification Status
To date, 34,000 out of 70,000 Krishi Sakhis have been certified as para-extension workers.
Also Read: Modi releases 17th installment of PM-KISAN scheme, disburses Rs 20,000 crore among 9.26 crore farmers
The training program has been initiated in 12 states: Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Odisha, Jharkhand, Andhra Pradesh, and Meghalaya.
Earning Livelihoods
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 (FIG) meetings, train farmers, and manage farmer diaries. For these activities, they receive a resource fee of INR 4500 per month.
The KSCP not only aims to empower women but also seeks to enhance agricultural practices and farmer support systems across rural India, fostering both economic and community development.
