The ICAR-Central Institute for Women in Agriculture, Bhubaneswar organized a three-day Capacity Building Programme on Women Entrepreneurship through Custom Hiring Centre during 7-9 August 2024 at Antara/Bishnupur of Khaira Block of Balasore District under Scheduled Caste Sub Plan Programme. The training was aimed at motivating, mobilizing and development of women farmers to become successful entrepreneurs through Custom Hiring Centre. The training program was a foundation program to make the women aware of the concept of CHCs and how to manage it to reap potential benefits through the use of the tools and machineries in the Centre. Various sessions were planned to transfer maximum information to the beneficiaries participating in the training in the span of three days. On 7th the Inaugural Function of the program was organized in convergence with Nigam NGO, Anandmayee WFPO, Gramadebati SHG and other Line Departments. The inaugural session was also graced with the presence of the BDO, Khaira with other Officials from NABARD, ATMA and Co-operative Bank who will also be playing important role providing financial support in the growth of the CHC to be established in the area. More than 250 women farmers were present on the inaugural of the training from target village and adjacent villages. After the inaugural session, a need assessment of the participants was done to understand the current socio-economic status, perception, willingness and knowledge level of the women farmers. Information on the demographic profile, major and minor crops produced, production, processing and marketing of the produce was also done during the second session. The training covered a range of topics viz., Role of Financial Organizations in implementation and execution of Women-led CHCs; innovative entrepreneurial approaches and group dynamics for promoting gender equity through CHCs; women entrepreneurship through farm mechanization by using various farm tools and implements; benefits and operation of CHCs; role of WSHGs and WFPOs in effective implementation of CHCs. The CHCs will provide a strong platform and enrich the knowledge and skill of the women farmers to take up various production and processing activities. The women involved in various agro-based activities under the CHCs will be able to attain economic stability, acquired skill set for operating the machineries leading them to be Self-reliant (Atmanirbhar) and Self-sufficient. The programme was co-ordinated by Dr. Lipi Das, Principal Scientist, ICAR-CIWA and technical assistance was provided by Shri Atul Chetan Hemrom, Senior Technical Assistant, ICAR-CIWA.
Read more: https://icar-ciwa.org.in/index.php/fortabevents/689-ciwa-chc-aug7-9
