The National Conclave on ‘SHG-led Natural Farming: Making of Lakhpati Didis’ kicked off in Bengaluru, organized by the Union Ministry of Rural Development and the Karnataka Department of Livelihood and Entrepreneurship. Sharan Prakash R. Patil, Minister for Medical Education, highlighted the growing influence of women in various sectors, particularly in natural farming. He emphasized Karnataka’s commitment to empowering women through schemes promoting sustainable income sources like natural farming.
Under the Karnataka State Rural Livelihoods Mission (SRLM) – Sanjeevini, women self-help groups (SHGs) are actively engaged in chemical-free, low-cost natural farming practices. These women, serving as Krushi Sakhis and community resource persons, play vital roles in bio-input production and value addition enterprises. Natural farming has not only provided skilled employment opportunities but also trained around 5.26 lakh SHG members in soil health management and climate-resilient cropping practices.
Agriculture Minister N. Chaluvarayaswamy affirmed the government’s commitment to promoting natural farming through existing and upcoming schemes. The Agriculture Department is channeling significant financial support to empower farmers, especially women, by providing necessary facilities and benefits. T.K. Anil Kumar, Additional Secretary, MoRD, stressed the importance of collaboration between governments and agencies to enhance systems, align incentives, and empower women’s institutions for effective implementation.
