Reviving Tradition: Bhoom’s Resilient Millet Farmers
In the Bhoom block of Maharashtra, farmers have been facing the harsh reality of frequent droughts. Cash crops like sugarcane, which were once the economic lifeline, are failing due to uncertain and infrequent rains. However, there is a silver lining to this challenging situation – a return to the roots of traditional farming. For generations, Bhoom’s farmers thrived on cultivating millets and other food crops. But in recent years, a push for cash crops led to the abandonment of these age-old practices. However, change is in the air, and it’s coming from a unique source – the Sarayi Sakhi Farmer Producer Organisation (FPO).
Established in February 2023 with the support of SSP, this FPO boasts ten dedicated directors and has connected with 260 women farmers, all of whom own small parcels of land between 1 – 5 acres. The FPO’s women leaders have been diligently imparting training on millet cultivation, rekindling the knowledge that was once the backbone of Bhoom’s agriculture. In July 2023, the FPO initiated a one-acre demonstration plot, expertly managed by the directors.
This endeavor bore fruit, with a successful millet harvest. The FPO didn’t just stop at this; they decided to propagate the seeds and distribute them to women producers, as millet seeds were becoming increasingly scarce in the market. Securing seeds involved a multi-pronged approach. Some seed types were sourced through the government’s Central Government’s Millet Mission, while others were obtained through fellow farmers. The FPO’s success story didn’t go unnoticed. Community members, agricultural officers, and extension officers visited the plot to witness their groundbreaking work.
The FPO’s journey doesn’t stop here. They are determined to expand the variety of crops cultivated and rent more land to encourage collective farming through the FPO. Their vision includes value addition, with plans to process seeds and introduce delectable chutneys to the market, supported by a thorough market study. Bhoom’s farmers are proving that in the face of adversity, resilience and the revival of traditional agricultural practices can pave the way to a sustainable and prosperous future.
This initiative is supported by the Huairou Commission under the Fair For All project to claim space for women in the agricultural value chain.
Swayam Shikshan Prayog
November 09, 2023