Key Facts
Hamirpur district is set to transform the economic status of 2000 rural women by integrating them into integrated farming clusters. The initiative, spearheaded by the National Rural Livelihoods Mission (NRLM), aims to make these women 'Lakhpati Didis' by enabling them to earn over Rs 1 lakh annually through diversified agricultural activities.
Details of the Initiative
The project focuses on women from self-help groups in the Sumerpur and Muskara blocks. These women will receive training and support in multiple income-generating activities such as vegetable production, poultry farming, goat rearing, organic farming, food processing, fisheries, and horticulture. Each cluster comprises 250-300 families from 2-3 villages.
Impact on Women's Livelihood
By engaging in integrated farming, women will have multiple sources of income, reducing risk and increasing overall earnings. The NRLM Deputy Commissioner, Gyan Prakash, emphasized that the cluster approach ensures that women are not dependent on a single activity. The initiative also includes modern training and financial assistance for setting up these enterprises.
Market Linkage and Support
To ensure a ready market for the produce, the Delhi-based Imago Company has been roped in. The company will purchase the products directly from the fields and make immediate payments, eliminating middlemen and ensuring fair prices for the women farmers. The process has already begun, with training and cluster formation underway.
What Readers Should Know
- The integrated farming clusters are designed to provide sustainable livelihoods to rural women.
- Each cluster includes 250-300 families, ensuring community participation and support.
- Women will be trained by 'Aajeevika Sakhi' and 'Udyam Sakhi' (livelihood and enterprise friends) for hands-on skill development.
- The initiative aligns with the government's goal of empowering women financially and promoting rural entrepreneurship.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the integrated farming cluster initiative in Hamirpur?
It is a program by NRLM to train 2000 women in Sumerpur and Muskara areas in integrated farming, including agriculture, animal husbandry, fisheries, and horticulture, to help them earn over Rs 1 lakh annually.
How many women will benefit from this scheme?
2000 women from self-help groups in Sumerpur and Muskara blocks will be covered under the integrated farming cluster.
Which company will purchase the produce?
Imago Company from Delhi has been designated to buy the produce directly from the fields and make on-the-spot payments.