Prime Minister Narendra Modi will confer certificates upon more than 30,000 self-help groups as Krishi Sakhis in Varanasi on Tuesday. The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare announced this move to bolster rural women empowerment.
The Krishi Sakhis initiative is a pivotal component of the government’s ambitious plan to cultivate three crore ‘Lakhpati Didis’.
Under the Krishi Sakhi Convergence Programme (KSCP), these women will be trained and certified as para-extension workers, thereby enhancing their agricultural skills and capabilities.
This certification drive is integral to the broader goals of the ‘Lakhpati Didi’ programme.
Selected for their credibility and expertise within their farming communities, Krishi Sakhis will assume roles as agriculture para-extension workers.
Their extensive knowledge in agroecological practices, from land preparation to harvest, equips them to effectively conduct farmer field schools and manage seed banks.
Additionally, they are adept in promoting soil health, integrated farming systems, and basic livestock management.
Krishi Sakhis, with their newfound roles, can potentially earn between Rs 60,000 to 80,000 annually.
To further hone their skills, they are currently undergoing refresher training, with an emphasis on Natural Farming and Soil Health Card through agencies under the DAY-NRLM initiative.
Meanwhile, upon completion of the training, Krishi Sakhis will undergo proficiency tests.
Those who pass will receive certification as Para-extension Workers, enabling them to engage in various activities under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare schemes, for fixed resource fees.
This initiative marks a significant step towards empowering rural women and fostering sustainable agricultural practices across India.
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