This scheme is part of the ‘Lakhpati Didi’ program, whose purpose is to create 3 crore (30 million) Lakhpati Didi’s. Krishi Sakhi is one dimension of this larger initiative by the Government of India.The aim of the krishi sakhi conversion program is to create lakhpati didi up to 3 crore. Krishi sakhi conversion program is a way from which the life of women residing in rural areas of India to become trained under this program. Krishi sakhi is a rural empowerment plan for the women engaged in agriculture. This initiative aims to give training and certificates to the womens so that they can become independent.
Whats the reason for Krishi Sakhis being preferred as agriculture para-extension workers?
Krishi Sakhis are chosen as agriculture para-extension workers because of following reasons ; they are experienced farmers themselves and trusted community resource persons.
About Krishi Sakhi Convergence Program (KSCP):
- An initiative under MoU of the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare and Ministry of Rural Development.
- The Krishi sakhi program has been launched in 12 states in Phase 1 which are these following states: Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Odisha, Jharkhand, Andhra Pradesh, and Meghalaya, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh.
Key Objectives:
- To empower women as Krishi Sakhis to Transform rural India.
- Train and certify Krishi Sakhis as experienced farmers who are hired by the government to train and mentor local farmers
- To Align with the Program goals of “Lakhpati Didi”
Why Choose Krishi Sakhis as Agriculture Para-Extension Workers?
Krishi Sakhis are ideal for this role because of the following reasons mentioned:
- Trusted community resource persons
- Experienced farmers themselves
- Deeply rooted in farming communities
- Welcomed and respected by local farmers
Lakhpati Didi Scheme:
- Launched in 2023
- Aim – To process economic empowerment and financial independence of women in rural areas.
- Objective – To shift the focus from social and financial inclusion to entrepreneurial success.
Eligibility Criteria for lakhpati Didi
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- A Lakhpati Didi should be a Self-Help Group Member.
- A Self Help Group member who has completed a minimum of 2 years and has availed of the Community Investment Fund (CIF).
- A beneficiary of livelihood intervention through DAY-NRLM and practising at least 2 livelihood activities.
Key Features
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- To train 3 crore women to become influencers both at home and in their communities.
- Aimed at training women in self-help groups (SHGs) to earn a sustainable income of at least ₹1 lakh per annum per household.
Subsets
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- Drone Didi: Drones will be provided to approximately 15,000 women SHGs for agricultural activities.
- Skill training: Women under this scheme receive training in diverse skills such as LED bulb making, plumbing, and more.
Women Workforce in Agriculture Sector Status:
- 80% of rural women population are employed in agriculture.
- Ownership of lands: The female operational holdings percentage has increased from 12.78 percent in 2010-11 to 13.78 percent in 2015-16.
- Women workforce are Responsible for producing 60-80% of the country’s food.
- The women to men ratio working in the agricultural sector has increased and it made a greater contribution to GDP per capita.
- Women’s leadership in agriculture can be a good tool to tackle gender inequality.
Training Program for Krishi Sakhis
What different kinds of training is provided to Krishi Sakhis?
- Agro Ecological Practices training is given to prepare land and harvest it
- Organising Farmer Field schools
- Seed banks + Establishment and Management
- Soil health and moisture conservation practices
- Integrated Farming Systems
- Basics of Livestock Management
- Preparing and using of Bio inputs and establishing of Bio inputs shops
- Basic communication skills
Employment Opportunities for Certified Krishi Sakhis
Once the training is complete and passing a proficiency test, Krishi Sakhis will be able to work in various Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare schemes, the schemes are mentioned below
- Soil health advisory
- Organic farming promotion
- Crop demonstration
- Crop insurance
- Horticulture mission awareness
- Climate-resilient agriculture practices
- Agriculture infrastructure projects
- Seed production training
- Agricultural mechanization
- Oilseeds mission
- Plant protection
- Kisan Credit Card support
Potential Earnings:
Certified Krishi Sakhis can earn anywhere from 60,000 to 80,000 Rupees per year.
Progress of the Krishi Sakhi Program
- 34,000 out of 70,000 Krishi Sakhis have been certified as para-extension workers
| S.N | Division Name | Activities | Activities wise per Krishi Sakhi/ Per Year Resource Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | INM Division : Soil Health and MOVCDNER | Soil Sample Collection, Soil health Advisory, Formation of Farmer Producer Organisation, Training of Farmers | Soil Health = INR 1300 MOVCDNER (Only for Northeast) = 54000 |
| 3 | Crop Division | Collection and uploading of data on Krishi Mapper, Cluster Front Line Demonstration. | 10,000 Rupees per year |
| 4 | Crop Insurance Division: PMFBY | This includes Mobilizing non loanee farmers and Loss Assessment | 20000 Rupees a Krishi can earn per year. |
| 5 | MIDH Division | This intends to spread Awareness about Horticulture Mission | INR 40000 per block. The State govt will decide the distribution of 40000 rupees in different activities. |
| 6 | NRM Division: Rainfed Area Development RAD,Agroforestry, Per Drop More Crop | Climate Resilient Agriculture Practices Trainings, Distribution of Seedlings, Adoption of micro irrigation | INR 12000 per Krishi per Year. |
| 7 | Agriculture Infrastructure Fund | Outreach Agent, Facilitating Project, Create Awareness | INR 5000 per year |
| 8 | Seed Division: Seed Village Program | Farmer Training on Seed Production @900 per training | Minimum INR 900 per year. Rest, as per the need of the Krishi Sakhi in the local area
|
| 9 | M&T Division:Sub Mission on Agriculture Mechanisation (SMAM), | Three Visits to Demonstration Field and collect data, photos and upload on the Krishi Mapper App | INR 10000 per year |
| 10 | Oil Seeds Division: National Mission on Edible Oils/ – OilSeeds (NMEO-OS) | Three Visits to Demonstration Field and collect data, photos and upload on the Krishi Mapper | INR 3000 per year |
| 11 | Plant Protection: NPS | Information on crop Situation, Pest Surveillance through NPSS, Collect photos, uploading photos | INR 1000 per year |
| 12 | Credit Division: KCC | Lead connect, KCC Application support, Credit Linkage | INR 5000 per year |
