1 week ago
Chhattisgarh Women Turn Azolla Cultivation Into Rural Livelihood Opportunity
Women in Dhamtari, Chhattisgarh, are growing Azolla in tanks at home.
Azolla is a small aquatic plant that was often treated as useless.
The women learned how to grow it through a government-supported program.
They use it to help crops grow and to feed cows, goats, fish, and poultry.
This can reduce the need for chemical fertilizers and lower farming costs.
Some women also sell the Azolla to earn money.
One woman produced 25 kilograms, while another reported sales of Rs 9,000.
The group hopes to make organic manure and vermicompost next.
Women in Dhamtari’s self-help groups are producing Azolla for income.
The National Rural Livelihood Mission supports their training and livelihood activities.
Azolla is used as organic fertilizer and feed for livestock, fish, and poultry.
One participant produced 25 kilograms, while another reported sales worth Rs 9,000.
The group plans to produce organic manure and vermicompost in the future.
- Who
- Women from self-help groups in Gram Panchayat Amali, Dhamtari, including Anita Bai Markam and Kaushalya Sahu.
- What
- They are cultivating Azolla as a source of income and using it in farming and animal husbandry.
- Where
- Gram Panchayat Amali in Dhamtari, Chhattisgarh.
- When
- The report does not specify a date.
- Why
- The women are seeking sustainable livelihoods, while Azolla helps support natural farming and reduce production costs.
Key facts
- Government program
- The National Rural Livelihood Mission is supporting livelihood opportunities for poor households.
- Main activity
- Women are cultivating Azolla in tanks at their homes.
- Reported production
- Anita Bai Markam has produced 25 kilograms of Azolla.
- Reported sales
- Kaushalya Sahu said 200 grams of Azolla led to sales worth Rs 9,000.
- Agricultural use
- Azolla is used as an organic supplement in paddy cultivation.
- Animal-feed use
- It is fed to cows, goats, poultry, and is also used in fish farming.
- Future plan
- The group plans to produce organic manure and vermicompost.
Quotes
Anita Bai Markam
An SHG member and Agriculture Friend involved in Azolla cultivation
“Azolla production yields a good income. I support my family through Azolla cultivation. I express my deep gratitude to PM Modi for creating employment opportunities for women.”
thehansindia.com
Avinash Mishra
Dhamtari Collector
“Both the central and state governments are promoting natural farming over chemical-based agriculture. Azolla is proving to be highly effective as an organic fertiliser in this context. Through Azolla cultivation, women are earning well and becoming 'Lakhpati Didis' (women earning an annual income of over Rs 1 lakh).”
thehansindia.com
Sources
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