Livelihood Promotion Program for Women Farmers

---

 Nagpur is one of the fastest growing district and the land sharks are trying to grab the land of farmers and the farmer community is reeling under distress for several years and they want to sell off their land. However women from the farmers’ families want to save their land, as it is the only source of livelihood for them. As men are migrating in search of employment to urban areas, farming is more and more become women centric. Though women put their time and effort in farming activities, but they are not allowed to take decisions. So to improve leadership of women in farming this project of Agro-Bio diverse farming (Swavlambi Sheti) is introduced among small and marginalised women farmers from three districts of Vidarbha region, Nagpur, Yavatmal and Akola. This program started with pre sowing selection and orientation of women farmers and during the Kharip crop cycle following training inputs were given.

a) Concept of Swavalambi Sheti (Bio-Diverse Organic Farming-BDOF) and its unique features

b) Type of soil, improving soil health and importance of soil testing and relation between nature of soil and crops

c) Seed preservation techniques, pest management

d) Exposure to Central India Cotton Research Institute, other plots where organic farming is taken