AT this hour of crisis when a large number of people have lost their jobs in unorganised sectors, the women associated with self-help groups in district Kabeerdham have not only created a permanent source of employment for themselves, but have also gained financial stability. These women have now become self-reliant by cultivating vegetables. It is no longer hidden that outbreak of the global pandemic has led to an economical backlash across the country as almost every commercial activity has been put on hold. A large number of people have lost their only source of income while many are forced to leave their jobs in order to migrate to their native places.

 

In such a situation, women of district Kabeerdham have been cultivating vegetables through organic methods and earning a good income by selling it in the market. Five women SHGs in Bhoramdev Aajeevika Complex operated under the National Rural Livelihoods Mission (NRLM) Bihan in village Rajanwagaon have been cultivating several vegetables. They have been growing vegetables like beans, pumpkin, cucumber and bitter gourd etc. Members of Sai Ram women SHG, Bharat Mata women SHG, Maa Durga SHG, Kumkum Bhagya women SHG and Mahamaya women SHG invested Rs 35,000 when they were about to start this work and the result of their hard work could be clearly seen now. Zila Panchayat CEO Vijay Dayaram K informed that in the complex located in village Rajanwagaon, variety of vegetables had been cultivated by the women groups.

 

Dayaram K said that only during the lockdown period, the women groups earned more than 1.40 lakh by selling vegetables to the local markets and nearby villages. At the same time, their families got financial support and it also played a significant role in strengthening the rural economy. The CEO added that this year as well, the women have grown seven types of vegetables and these vegetables will be ready in a coming few months. Group members thanked the District Administration for supporting the women on every step and contributing in women empowerment.