๐ ๐ซ๐จ๐ฆ ๐๐ง๐๐๐ซ๐ญ๐๐ข๐ง ๐๐๐ซ๐ฏ๐๐ฌ๐ญ๐ฌ ๐ญ๐จ ๐๐ฅ๐ข๐ฆ๐๐ญ๐-๐๐๐ฌ๐ข๐ฅ๐ข๐๐ง๐ญ ๐ ๐๐ซ๐ฆ๐ข๐ง๐
Despite owning cultivable land, Bharathi Venuโs farming journey in Meppadi village, Wayanad, Kerala, was marked by repeated losses and uncertainty. Pest attacks, lack of quality seedlings, irregular irrigation, and dependence on traditional practices resulted in low productivity and frequent crop failure. For Bharathi, farming demanded hard work but offered little security.
Like many women farmers, she continued cultivating with limited technical knowledge while facing increasing climate-related challenges. Her land remained underutilised, and over time, the uncertainty began to affect both her income and confidence. She knew something had to change, but didnโt yet know how.
A turning point came when Bharathi became part of Swayam Shikshan Prayogโs Women-Led Climate Resilient Farming (WCRF) programme. Through regular training, field demonstrations, and close handholding, she began to understand the science behind farming. She learned how climate-smart and organic practices could help her adapt to changing weather patterns and protect her crops.
Gradually, Bharathi introduced new practices on her farm. She installed sprinkler irrigation to use water more efficiently, started vermicompost production to improve soil health, and set up a small seedling nursery to ensure timely planting. By following soil testing, using sticky and pheromone traps, and adopting a climate-responsive crop calendar, she was able to reduce pest damage and crop loss. Simple innovations, such as raising seedlings in disposable cups, further improved survival rates.
The impact was visible. Her crops became healthier, yields stabilised, and input costs reduced. With better income and more reliable harvests, Bharathi gained confidence as a farmer and as a decision-maker within her household.
Today, Bharathi is recognised as a Lead Model Farmer, guiding and motivating other women in her village to adopt climate-resilient farming practices. Her journey shows how knowledge-led farming can restore land, livelihoods, and self-belief.โI transformed my farm, but the true transformation was within me. When a woman gains knowledge, she uplifts her entire community,โ says Bharathi.
Swayam Shikshan Prayog
06 February, 2026