Context:
Recently, the Prime Minister of India granted certificates to over 30,000 women from Self Help Groups (SHGs) as ‘Krishi Sakhis’ under the Krishi Sakhi Convergence Programme (KSCP).
Relevance:
GS II: Government policies and Interventions
Overview of the Krishi Sakhi Convergence Program:
Objective:
- The initiative aims to transform rural India by empowering rural women as Krishi Sakhis through training and certification as Para-extension Workers.
- This certification course aligns with the goals of the ‘Lakhpati Didi’ Program.
Training Provided:
- Krishi Sakhis receive training in various extension services, including:
- Agro-Ecological Practices: Techniques from land preparation to harvest.
- Organizing Farmer Field Schools: Facilitating practical learning sessions for farmers.
- Seed Banks: Establishment and management of seed banks.
- Soil Health and Conservation: Methods to maintain soil health and moisture.
- Integrated Farming Systems: Combining different farming practices for sustainability.
- Livestock Management: Basic practices for managing livestock.
- Bio Inputs: Preparation, usage, and establishment of bio-input shops.
- Communication Skills: Essential skills for effective communication with farmers.
Current Training:
- The Krishi Sakhis are undergoing refresher training focused on Natural Farming and Soil Health Cards, facilitated by DAY-NRLM agencies in coordination with MANAGE.
Implementation:
- The Krishi Sakhi Training Program has been implemented in 12 states during Phase 1, including Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Odisha, Jharkhand, Andhra Pradesh, and Meghalaya.
