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.