Experts keen on training M’laya women farmers

SHILLONG, Jan 24: The Central Institute for Women in Agriculture (ICAR), Bhubaneswar which is serving as a catalyst for gender mainstreaming and women empowerment is keen on providing the technological know-how to the women farmers of Meghalaya, besides the technical support and linkages in the farming sector.
This was brought to light when 10 journalists from Meghalaya on a PIB tour visited the institute, to figure out the research methodology of the institute on gender issues in agriculture and allied fields, gender-equitable agricultural policies/ programmes and gender-sensitive agricultural-sector responses.
Many women farmers of the state also shared their first hand experience and stated that they formed companies and self help groups with the help of the institute and are now earning a decent livelihood.  During the interaction, the institute informed that they also are present in Meghalaya through the Central Agriculture University.
Sabita Mishra, principal scientist of the institute admitted that women farmers do face constraints and challenges as 13.75 percent of the women cannot take loans, and this is when the institute intervenes and handholds them.