Agriculture is the heart of rural life in India. Millions of people depend on it for their food and income. Among them, women play a major role. They sow seeds, take care of crops, and harvest them. Despite their hard work, women farmers often go unnoticed. They get fewer resources, earn less money, and rarely have a say in decisions about farming. To change this, the Government of India started a program called Mahila Kisan Sashaktikaran Pariyojana (MKSP) in 2011.
The name means “Empowerment Program for Women Farmers,” and it aims to help women farmers live better lives, earn more money, and get the respect they deserve. Let’s explore why MKSP was started, what it does, and how it is helping millions of women in India.
The Problem Women Farmers Face
In India, women contribute to almost every part of farming. They plant seeds, pull out weeds, water crops, and harvest them. Many also take care of animals and manage kitchen gardens. But even though they work hard, they are often not seen as “farmers.” Instead, they are viewed as helpers to male farmers.
Because of this, women farmers face many problems:
- They do not get the same pay as men.
- They often don’t own land, so they can’t get loans or other help.
- They have less access to tools, seeds, and training.
- They are left out of important decisions about farming.
MKSP was created to fix these issues. The program wants to make sure women are recognized as real farmers, and it gives them the tools, knowledge, and support to improve their lives.
Goals of MKSP
MKSP’s main goal is to empower women in agriculture. This means helping them become more skilled, independent, and respected in their communities. Here are the key goals:
- Sustainable Livelihoods: Help women earn steady incomes from farming so they can support their families.
- Increased Participation: Encourage more women to take part in farming activities actively.
- Skill Development: Train women in better farming methods, so they can grow more with less effort.
- Access to Resources: Make sure women get seeds, tools, loans, and services that can help their farms.
- Group Strength: Support women to form Self-Help Groups (SHGs) so they can work together, share ideas, and stand strong.
- Linking Programs: Connect women to other government schemes that can help them in farming and beyond.
How MKSP Works
MKSP follows a community-based approach, which means it works directly with women in villages rather than through top-down instructions. Here’s how it helps women farmers:
1. Recognizing Women as Farmers
This is the first and most important step. MKSP treats women as independent farmers, not just helpers. This helps them gain confidence and claim support that is rightfully theirs.
2. Promoting Eco-Friendly Farming
MKSP teaches women to farm in ways that are kind to nature and safe for people. Some methods include:
- Non-Pesticide Management (NPM): Farming without harmful chemicals.
- Integrated Pest Management (IPM): Using natural ways to control pests.
- Integrated Nutrient Management: Using compost and natural fertilizers to improve soil.
These methods not only save money but also protect the environment.
3. Focus on Small and Marginal Farmers
MKSP especially helps women who own little or no land. These women are often the most vulnerable, and the program supports them with training, tools, and access to markets.
4. Group Building
Women are encouraged to form Self-Help Groups (SHGs). These groups meet regularly, save money together, and support each other. SHGs give women more bargaining power and make it easier to share knowledge.
5. Use of Local Knowledge
MKSP values the traditional knowledge women have about farming. It combines this with modern training to create smart and sustainable solutions.
Achievements
Since MKSP started, it has touched the lives of millions of women. By July 2021:
- About 38 lakh women (3.8 million) had been trained under MKSP.
- The knowledge and success of MKSP have spread, and now about 1.44 crore women farmers (14.4 million) have been supported under the broader National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM).
Positive Changes Due to MKSP:
- Higher Incomes: By using better methods and reducing costs, women are earning more money.
- More Respect and Voice: Women in SHGs have a stronger voice in their homes and communities.
- Better Food Security: Families are getting more and better food from their own farms.
- Healthier Environment: Less use of chemicals is making soil, water, and air cleaner.
Challenges
While MKSP has made big progress, there are still challenges:
1. Cultural Barriers
In many areas, old beliefs about gender roles stop women from taking leadership in farming. Some families don’t support women attending training or joining groups.
2. Lack of Resources
Many women still don’t own land or can’t get loans. Without these, it’s hard to invest in better farming tools or seeds.
3. Climate Change
Changes in weather, like droughts or floods, are hurting crops. Women farmers need climate-smart techniques to adapt.
Next Steps to Empower Women Farmers
To make MKSP more effective and help more women, a few things can be done:
- Awareness Campaigns: Teach communities to value women as farmers through workshops, street plays, and media.
- Policy Support: Make sure policies support women owning land and getting easy loans.
- Climate-Resilient Farming: Promote drought-resistant crops, rainwater harvesting, and other methods to fight climate change.
In Summary
The Mahila Kisan Sashaktikaran Pariyojana is more than just a government scheme—it’s a movement to change how women in agriculture are seen and treated. By giving women farmers the tools, training, and respect they deserve, MKSP is not only improving their lives but also building a stronger, more sustainable farming future for India.
Empowered women farmers mean better food, healthier families, and stronger communities. MKSP shows that when women grow, the whole nation grows.