Women have been an integral part of agriculture throughout history, playing crucial roles in food production, processing and marketing. In both developing and developed countries, women contribute significantly to the agriculture sector, yet their contributions often go unrecognized or undervalued.
To recognize their contributions and address the challenges they face, the Odisha government has introduced a scheme “Empowerment of women in agriculture – Promotion of entrepreneurship in agriculture Women SHG”. This scheme acknowledges the significant contributions of women in the agriculture sector and aims to empower them by promoting entrepreneurship.
This scheme was launched in the year 2022, with an overall fund allocation of Rs. 367.19 crore, for its implementation from 2022-23 to 2026-27.
Objectives:
- The primary objective of this scheme is to enhance mushroom production across the state by doubling it through the involvement of women beneficiaries and Women Self-Help Groups (WSHGs).
- To ensure sustainable income generation for women beneficiaries and women self-help groups.
- It also aims to make Odisha self-sufficient in the production of button mushrooms and loose flowers.
Through this initiative, the Odisha government seeks to foster gender equality, sustainable development, and economic empowerment for women in the agriculture field.
