Rural women found a way to economic empowerment through recurring grazing centers in tribal areas – Lok Shakti.in

Agriculture in the state of Chhattisgarh is an important source of livelihood for people in most of the areas. Inspite of changing business options with changing times, today many people are dependent on agriculture for their income generation after generation. In view of this, the Chief Minister has started various schemes to increase the income of farmers and villagers. One of these schemes is the recurring grazing scheme. In this scheme, the people of the rural areas of the village are being linked with employment through Gauthan by the Forest Department. Now cattle rearers, rural women have started getting benefits at the ground level. Similarly, in the district, under the program of recurring grazing scheme of Chhattisgarh government, works for conservation and promotion of livestock are being done in Gauthan. A total of 30 recurring grazing centers are operated by the Forest Department in the district. Where cow dung is being purchased under the Godhan Nyaya Yojana. Along with this vermi compost manure is also being manufactured from cow dung. A recurring grazing center is operated in Kumharras Gram Panchayat under Dantewada development block. The sisters of the Saraswati Women’s Self Help Group working there tell that they are earning a good amount from the income generating activities conducted by them in the Gauthans. 13 to 15 didis are working in this group. She says that now she has earned an income of 65 to 70 thousand rupees by producing vermi compost. Along with this, by producing vegetables in Gauthan from the manufactured manure, she has taken a profit of 7 to 10 thousand rupees. Didis are earning income by doing other activities in the rotating grazing centers. Fodder, water is being made available for the animals under the recurring grazing centre, as well as a shady shelter has been constructed. As a result, cattle herders and women here are getting direct benefits. The herdsmen of the village bring their cattle to the grazing centre, so that they can spend their time in agriculture without any worry. The women of self-help groups are moving towards progress towards self-reliance with unity and self-confidence, as well as availability of new means of employment to the villagers of the area has also ensured progress in economic development.Continue Reading