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Source– This post on Krishi Sakhi Convergence Program (KSCP) has been created based on the article “Krishi Sakhi” published in “PIB” on 18 June 2024.
Why in the news?
The Prime Minister of India recently Krishi Sakhigranted certificates to over 30,000 women from Self Help Groups (SHGs), recognizing them as ‘Krishi Sakhis’ under the Krishi Sakhi Convergence Programme (KSCP).
About Krishi Sakhi Convergence Program (KSCP)
| Aspects | Description |
| About | The Krishi Sakhi Convergence Programme (KSCP) aims to empower rural women in India by training and certifying them as Krishi Sakhis, who serve as para-extension workers. |
| Initiative by | Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare & Ministry of Rural Development |
| Objective | i) Transform rural India by empowering women through agricultural training. ii) Aligns with the broader ‘Lakhpati Didi’ program, which aims to create three crore Lakhpati Didis (women earning at least Rs 1 lakh per annum) by enhancing their agricultural skills and providing employment opportunities |
| Selection of Krishi Sakhis | Krishi Sakhis are trusted community resource persons and experienced farmers. |
| Training modules | i) Krishi Sakhis have already been trained on various extension service for 56 days on the following modules: 1. Agro Ecological Practices from land preparation to harvest 2. Organising Farmer Field schools 3. Seed banks + Establishment and Management 4. Soil health, soil and moisture conservation practices 5. Integrated Farming Systems 6. Basics of Livestock Management 7. Preparation and use of Bio inputs and establishment of Bio inputs shops 8. Basic communication skills ii) Currently, Krishi Sakhis are undergoing refresher training with a special focus on Natural Farming and Soil Health Card through DAY-NRLM agencies in coordination with MANAGE. |
| States covered under Krishi Sakhi Training Program | Krishi Sakhi Training Program has been rolled out in 12 states in Phase – 1: Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Odisha, Jharkhand, Andhra Pradesh, and Meghalaya |
Krishi Sakhis under MOVCDNER Scheme
1. Role and Responsibilities:
i) Local Resource Persons (LRP): 30 Krishi Sakhis are working as Local Resource Persons.
ii) Farm Visits: They visit each farm once a month to check on farm activities and understand the challenges faced by farmers.
iii) Weekly Meetings: They conduct weekly meetings with Farmer Interest Groups (FIG) to train farmers and discuss their issues.
iv) Farmer Interaction: Krishi Sakhis interact with farmers to understand their problems, help with Farmer Producer Organisation (FPO) functioning, and assist with marketing activities.
v) Record Keeping: They maintain a farmer diary to keep track of all activities and challenges.
2. For their efforts, Krishi Sakhis receive a resource fee of INR 4,500 per month.
UPSC Syllabus: Schemes and Programme
