Farmers received hands-on learning on various empowering animation models under the Jeevan program in Maharashtra. The program promotes community-led initiatives at the micro and macro level to amplify the process of Empowering Animation under the local people’s leadership.

Two-days Learning and Exchange Programme on 9-10 September 2021 at Walvanda in Maharashtra has given a perfect platform to farmers to learn the agriculture initiatives led by women under the Jeevan EA programme. 

Sharing his thoughts on the program, Fr. Francis Dabre, Director of Vasai Janhit Trust organisation shared that transformation is taking place in Jeevan EA Programme and the community is more aware of their rights and entitlements which is a paradigm shift from passive to active. Fr. Joby Kurian, the director of Karunya Trust in his message appreciated the Jeevan EA programme for following a wonderful approach to work with communities and people to promote lots of initiatives to claim their rights. Fr. Anaclete D’mello, Bosco Samajik Vikas Sanstha (BSVS) Director mentioned that empowerment is a continuous process where the community comes together to find out solutions for their problems. 

Mr. Prakash Wagh, Project coordinator of BSVS gave an orientation on the BSVS programme and sustainable agricultural practices. He explained Integrated Nutrient Management, Integrated Pest Management and zero budget farming in his presentation. He stressed on development approach, supportive education programme, Women empowerment and Federation building, Agriculture Development program, Zero budget Natural farming techniques, Micro Watershed programme, Youth mobilization for village development. Mr. Prakash also shared the impact of sustainable agriculture and introduced the strategy of motivating the agricultural activities like “one farmer will motivate another farmer”. The process of organic farming and strategy to promote organic farming was also shared with the participants. 

A field visit was also organised to interact with farmers on Mogra cultivation. They also had the opportunity to meet the community people and gain a good knowledge of organic and zero budget farming. The sharing has motivated many women and youth for the Mogra cultivation. 

The model of empowering women through federation was shared with the participants. Mr. Prakash also explained the formation of Self-Help Group and federation, farmers group, Explained the impact of IGP and issues solved by women at the block level, village level and cluster level.

Fr. Anaclete shared about self-reliance and self-governance. The interaction with the women federation and women explained the work and activities undertaken by the federation. They shared about the formation of the federation, the Strategy to start the federation, Objectives to form federation and Issues solved by the women federation. 

The experience sharing of the women group member on their challenges and its resolution has motivated the participants. The women federation group was appreciated for their commitment and development work in the various villages.