Topics Covered: Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections of the population.
Mahila Kisan Sashaktikaran Pariyojana:
Context:
The government has said that under the schemes implemented by the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare (DA&FW) at least 30 percent of the expenditure allocated for agricultural schemes is being incurred for women to bring them into mainstream agriculture. This mainly includes Mahila Kisan Sashaktikaran Pariyojana.
About Mahila Kisan Sashaktikaran Pariyojana:
- It was started in 2011.
- The “Mahila Kisan Sashaktikaran Pariyojana” (MKSP) is a sub component of the Deendayal Antodaya Yojana-NRLM (DAY-NRLM).
- It seeks to improve the present status of women in Agriculture, and to enhance the opportunities available to empower her.
- MKSP recognizes the identity of “Mahila” as “Kisan” and strives to build the capacity of women in the domain of agro-ecologically sustainable practices.
- Upto 60% (90% for North Eastern States) of the funding support for such projects is provided by the government.
The focus of MKSP is on:
Capacitating smallholders to adopt sustainable climate resilient agro-ecology and eventually create a pool of skilled community professionals.
Need for feminization of agriculture:
Most of the women-headed households are not able to access extension services, farmers support institutions and production assets like seed, water, credit, subsidy etc. As agricultural workers, women are paid lower wage than men.
Insta Curious:
Did you know that the International Day of Rural Women is celebrated on October 15 every year? What are its objectives and historical significance? Reference
InstaLinks:
Prelims Link:
- Key features of the scheme.
- Implementation.
- Benefits.
Mains Link:
Discuss the problems faced by women farmers in India. Also discuss how those problems could be solved.
Sources: PIB.
