Empowerment Of Women In Agriculture – Promotion Of Entrepreneurship For Women SHG

The government of Odisha has launched a scheme called “Promotion of Entrepreneurship for Women SHG,” which aims to empower women in agriculture and promote their entrepreneurship. This scheme mainly addresses the issue of the contribution of women in agriculture going unrecognized and undervalued.

The scheme has several benefits, including the empowerment of women in agriculture, the promotion of entrepreneurship, the creation of new employment opportunities, and the improvement of agricultural productivity and profitability. By empowering women in agriculture, the scheme can contribute to the overall development of the agricultural sector and the country as a whole.

Scheme Overview

• Scheme Name: Empowerment of women in agriculture – Promotion of Entrepreneurship for Women SHG
• Scheme Launch Year: 2022
• Scheme Fund Allocated: Rs. 367.19 crores
• Tenure: 2022-23 to 2026-27
• Type of Government Scheme: Odisha State Government Scheme
• Sponsored/Sector Scheme: State Sector Scheme

Objectives of the Scheme

• To double the mushroom production across the State through area expansion involving women beneficiaries/Women SHGs
• To make the state self-sufficient in the production of button mushrooms and loose flowers.
• To ensure sustainable income generation of women beneficiaries/Women SHGs

Benefits

1. Increase in Mushroom production: The scheme aims to double mushroom production across the state, which will lead to a significant increase in the availability of mushrooms in the market, meeting the growing demand. The increase in production will also boost the state’s economy by creating new job opportunities and increasing the income of farmers involved in mushroom cultivation.
2. Empowerment of women beneficiaries/Women SHGs: By involving women beneficiaries/Women SHGs in the scheme, the scheme aims to empower them by providing them with training, skill development and a sustainable source of income. This will not only enhance the status of women in society but also contribute to the overall development of the state.
3. Self-sufficiency in Mushroom Production: By making the state self-sufficient in the production of button mushrooms, the scheme aims to reduce the dependence on other states for the supply of mushrooms, thereby saving transportation costs and ensuring a consistent supply of high-quality mushrooms to consumers.
4. Increase in income generation: The scheme aims to ensure sustainable income generation for women beneficiaries/Women SHGs involved in mushroom production. This will not only increase their income but also contribute to the overall economic development of the state by creating more employment opportunities and boosting local businesses.
5. Environmental benefits: Mushroom production is an eco-friendly and sustainable farming practice that can help to reduce the carbon footprint of agriculture. By promoting mushroom production, the scheme can help to reduce deforestation, soil degradation and water pollution caused by conventional farming practices.

Empowerment of women in agriculture is crucial for the overall development of the agricultural sector and the country as a whole. Women play a significant role in agricultural production, processing, and marketing. The government of Odisha state has taken this initiative to empower women in agriculture which contribute to the holistic development of rural women and women’s employment.