Championing Sustainable Farming: The inspiring journey of Jayshree Mali from Ter village in Osmanabad District of Maharashtra.
In 2018, a remarkable journey began for Jayshree Mali when she joined SSP and began to implement the Women-led Climate Resilient Farming (WCRF) model of agriculture. She embraced sustainable farming practices, including vermicomposting, and creation of bio-insecticides, bio-pesticides, and natural fertilizers. Her dedication to eco-friendly methods laid the foundation for long-term success.
Throughout her journey with SSP, Jayshree’s focus lay in empowering her community. She facilitated the creation of three different farmer groups, uniting 60 women, all of whom were small land-holders with 1-5 acres of land. Despite initial challenges, she mobilised these women to begin ‘one-acre’ farming and worked towards a common objective: to build food security, promote health, and improve the nutrition of families, particularly women and children. With Jayshree’s guidance, these women embarked on a collective farming journey, working together on one-acre plots across various farms. They meticulously planned, volunteered to work on each other’s farms, and even collectively created pesticides.
The results were astounding. The women began saving money through collective farming, and labor was offered freely within the community. They transitioned to eating home-grown food and took their surplus produce to market, earning Rs. 4000-5000 per month. Jayshree’s work extended beyond the farm. She connected a group of 15 women to the ATMA department, ensuring they had access to vital seed inputs. She also organized meetings with government departments to secure irrigation inputs, benefiting the entire community.
In 2021, Jayshree initiated the promotion of biogas technology. While the technology was expensive, she installed the first unit to demonstrate its benefits to her fellow villagers. Today, thanks to Swayam Shikshan Prayog – SSP‘s subsidy scheme, 20 biogas plants have been installed in her village.
Jayshree Mali’s exemplary work in organic farming, vermibeds, and biogas has not gone unnoticed. She is regularly cited as an inspiration for visiting government officials and agriculture college students, serving as a beacon of hope and a model for positive change in agriculture and sustainability. Her journey exemplifies the power of dedication, collaboration, and perseverance in creating a more sustainable and empowered community.
Swayam Shikshan Prayog
November 03, 2023