19 June 2024, New Delhi: In a significant move to empower rural women and strengthen the agricultural sector, the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare and the Ministry of Rural Development have joined hands to launch the Krishi Sakhi convergence program (KSCP). This ambitious initiative aims to transform the face of rural India by training and certifying rural women as Krishi Sakhis, or agriculture para-extension workers.
Empowering Rural Women through Krishi Sakhis
The Krishi Sakhi convergence program is a key component of the broader “Lakhpati Didi” program, which seeks to create 3 crore Lakhpati Didis (women earning over INR 1 lakh per year). By training and certifying Krishi Sakhis as para-extension workers, the program aims to leverage the deep-rooted connections and trust these women have within their farming communities.
Comprehensive Training for Krishi Sakhis
Krishi Sakhis have already undergone a 56-day training program covering a range of topics, including agro-ecological practices, farmer field school organization, seed bank establishment, soil health management, and integrated farming systems. Currently, they are receiving refresher training with a special focus on natural farming and soil health.
Krishi Sakhis as Agriculture Para-Extension Workers
After successful completion of the training program and a proficiency test, Krishi Sakhis will be certified as para-extension workers. This certification will enable them to undertake a wide range of activities under various Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare schemes, earning a fixed resource fee for their services.
Empowering Krishi Sakhis, Transforming Rural India
As of now, 34,000 Krishi Sakhis out of a target of 70,000 have been certified as para-extension workers. The Krishi Sakhi training program has been rolled out in 12 states in the first phase, including Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, and Uttar Pradesh, among others. By providing these women with the necessary skills and support, the Krishi Sakhi convergence program aims to create a network of trusted, knowledgeable agriculture extension workers, driving sustainable development in rural India.
The Krishi Sakhi convergence program is a transformative initiative that harnesses the power of rural women to revolutionize the agricultural sector. By empowering Krishi Sakhis as para-extension workers, the program is paving the way for a more inclusive and prosperous future for Indian agriculture.
