India, Feb. 27 -- Agriculture forms the backbone of rural India, yet women farmers often grapple with systemic challenges, entrenched societal norms, and personal hardships. In Maharashtra, these struggles are intensified by erratic weather patterns disrupting farming, with the state enduring 142 days of extreme weather last year alone, causing over 60% of India's crop damage[1].
For small and marginal farming households, unseasonal rains, floods, and droughts have jeopardised livelihoods. Yet, amidst these challenges, women farmers are driving transformative change.
Supported by Swayam Shikshan Prayog (SSP), a non-governmental organisation dedicated to empowering women in low-income, climate-vulnerable communities, and ADM, a global leader in innovative solutions from nature, women farmers in Maharashtra are adopting the Women-Led Climate Resilient Farming (WCRF) model to build food-secure futures for their families and communities. This approach empowers women to act as influential change agents, paving the way for resilient agricultural practices that foster resilience in the face of severe weather events.
Since the project began in December 2023, the initiative has reached some 1,500 women across 30 villages, equipping them with core skills and knowledge to adopt organic practices, increase output, and strengthen community resilience. Recognising the significant impact of this programme, ADM has strengthened its partnership with SSP, extending it through to June 2025. This extension underscores ADM's commitment to fostering innovative, climate-resilient farming practices and empowering women farmers to drive meaningful change in Maharashtra.
The journeys of Archana Waghmare and Shamal Pawar showcase how adopting organic farming empowers women to achieve food security for their families and communities.
Archana Waghmare: Turning Grief into Empowerment
Raised in Nanded, Maharashtra, Archana Waghmare had no experience in farming before marrying into a farming family in Nandgaon, Latur. Her life took a tragic turn when her husband lost his life in a farming accident, leaving her widowed and uncertain about the future.
In 2023, Archana's life took a pivotal turn when she joined a training programme in organic farming under the SSP initiative, funded by ADM.
By leveraging livestock waste and training provided in the programme, Archana adopted organic methods, producing bio-pesticides and manure that reduced her farming costs and revitalised her land. Eventually, she transformed two acres of her family's five-acre farm to organic farming, while maintaining cash crops on the rest.
Diversifying into over 20 crops - including chilies, ladyfinger, and leafy greens - her efforts have led to a steady and reliable food supply for her family. With access to fresh vegetables, she has significantly reduced their dependency on market-bought produce, ensuring they have access to food despite external uncertainties.
"Organic farming has transformed our lives. We're not just saving money; we've strengthened our family's future with reliable, homegrown food."
Shamal Pawar: A Beacon of Hope
In Nagazari village, Latur District, Shamal Pawar's story is one of resilience. After losing her husband and brother-in-law in a workplace accident in 2017, Shamal was left to care for her three children, including her youngest, who was just a year old, while managing the family's three-acre farm.
In 2019, Shamal joined SSP's organic farming initiative. Starting with half an acre, she saw significant improvements in soil health and reduced reliance on other more costly inputs. By 2023, Shamal was mentoring 50 women farmers, teaching them to adopt resilient agricultural practices and create bio-pesticides and organic manure.
Shamal now cultivates over 15 crops, including soybeans, vegetables, and pulses. This diversification has provided a consistent supply of food for her family and created surplus harvests, offering much-needed financial stability.
"Sustainable farming has given my family the security of knowing we'll always have food on the table. It's also given me the chance to help other women achieve the same for their families."
Her soybean harvest alone generated Rs.60,000 last year, offering financial stability. However, her true impact lies in inspiring others. By mentoring women to adopt organic farming practices and access government schemes, Shamal has extended the programme's reach, fostering a resilient and food-secure community.
The Foundation for Food Security
The stories of Archana Waghmare and Shamal Pawar highlight the vital role of organic farming in supporting food security. Through the WCRF model, these women have transformed their farms into reliable sources of sustenance, producing diverse crops that reduce their dependence on unpredictable environmental conditions.
By adopting organic farming practices, they have not only reduced costs and improved yields but also created a future where their families and communities have access to consistent, sufficient food supplies. Archana and Shamal's journeys demonstrate the transformative power of empowering women farmers to build food-secure and resilient futures.
Their success underscores that fostering sustainable farming practices isn't just about growing crops; it's about cultivating stability, resilience, and prosperity for entire communities. When women lead in agriculture, the ripple effects reach far beyond their farms, ensuring a stronger, food-secure future for all.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from FoodTechBiz.