Context:
'Krishi Sakhis', a significant initiative, is part of a collaborative effort by India's Ministry of Rural Development and Agriculture Ministry. This program integrates agricultural advancement with women's empowerment, focusing on promoting natural farming practices.
Key Aspects of 'Krishi Sakhis' Initiative:
Joint Launch by Ministries: The training program for 'Krishi Sakhis' was launched under the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM), marking a synergistic approach between two pivotal ministries.
Objective: The core aim is to train 50,000 'Krishi Sakhis', empowering them with certification in natural farming. This phased training is overseen by the National Centre for Organic and Natural Farming (NCONF).
Training and Certification: The NCONF, a subordinate office of the agriculture ministry, stands as the nodal institution. They have prepared training modules, reviewed by the National Institute of Agricultural Extension Management (MANAGE).
DAY-NRLM Overview:
Origin and Evolution: Initially launched as Aajeevika-NRLM in 2011, it was later renamed DAY-NRLM.
Mission: A flagship poverty alleviation program aimed at reducing poverty through self-employment and skilled wage employment, enhancing the livelihoods of the rural poor.
Reach and Scale: Targeting about 10 crore rural households, it is one of the world's largest initiatives of its kind.
Approach: Organizing one woman from each household into self-help groups (SHGs) and federations, focusing on sustainable livelihood, financial inclusion, and improved quality of life.
Components: It encompasses social mobilisation, financial inclusion, sustainable livelihoods, and social development.
Coverage: Extends across most states and Union Territories, involving over 9.54 crore women in SHGs.
Implications for Government Civil Services Examination:
Understanding DAY-NRLM and 'Krishi Sakhis': Candidates should grasp the mission's objectives, strategies, and its role in empowering rural women through 'Krishi Sakhis'. Policy Integration: Recognizing the interconnection between rural development, agriculture, and women's empowerment. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): Linking this initiative to SDGs, particularly in poverty alleviation, gender equality, and sustainable agriculture.
SRIRAM’s:
The 'Krishi Sakhis' program exemplifies a holistic approach to rural development, integrating natural farming promotion with women's empowerment under the DAY-NRLM framework, vital for candidates preparing for the government civil services examination.
