Jaipur, April 24 -- The state government will roll out agricultural training programmes for women across gram panchayats, officials said on Thursday. According to agriculture commissioner Naresh Kumar Goyal, the programmes will prioritise smaller farmers and those from marginalised communities- scheduled castes and tribes- and members of Self-Help Groups (SHGs) The programmes aimed to foster financial independence and boost productivity by spreading awareness on technology and access to government aid, said officials, adding that women were already an integral part of agriculture in rural Rajasthan, and the initiative aimed to enhance their participation. Goyal added that in order to ensure wider outreach and avoid repetition, the sessions will be conducted at the gram panchayat level in villages where no such programme has been held in the past two years. The curriculum will include seed-production techniques, soil and water testing, sample collection and usage, balanced fertiliser management, integrated nutrient management, crop residue management, organic farming methods and compost preparation among others, said officials. Scientific methods for weed and pest control, adoption of improved crop varieties, increasing seed replacement rates, and maintaining a balance between organic and chemical farming will also be covered. In addition, farmers will be taught about access to key government schemes, including the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana and the National Food Security Mission. The participants will be subject to periodic objective tests, and high performers will be awarded with farm implements. The programmes will also involve local public representatives, officials from the Women and Child Development Department, Rajiv Gandhi Seva Kendra (Rajivika) functionaries, livestock workers, and SHG members. Progressive farmers will be invited to share practical insights, helping participants gain hands-on knowledge, said officials. Officials said the broader aim of the initiative is not only to impart technical know-how but also to connect women farmers with government schemes, subsidies and scientific farming practices, thereby promoting financial independence and self-reliance. The programme is also expected to support sustainable agriculture, water conservation and climate-resilient farming, positioning women farmers as key drivers of rural development....