In the face of mounting challenges posed by extreme weather events, women farmers in Maharashtra are proving that resilience and innovation can redefine the future of rural livelihoods. Maharashtra, one of India’s hardest-hit states, has faced erratic rainfall and extreme weather, devastating crops across millions of hectares. For small and marginal farmers, particularly women, survival has often meant overcoming environmental adversity for food security and poverty reduction.
Against this backdrop, ADM, a global leader in innovative solutions from nature, partnered with Swayam Shikshan Prayog (SSP) in December 2023 to promote organic farming practices and enhance community resilience. Through SSP’s Women-Led Climate Resilient Farming (WCRF) model, women farmers are charting a new course in agriculture. By imparting them with critical skills in organic farming, the programme is transforming farms into sustainable sources of food, financial stability, and community resilience. Originally launched as a one-year initiative, ADM has extended its partnership with SSP until June 2025 in recognition of the programme’s success. This extension underscores ADM’s commitment to empowering women farmers and fostering long-term sustainability.
The inspiring stories of Saroja Garad and Sony Anantram Shinde demonstrate how regenerative and organic farming can support resilient crops while enabling women to work toward financial independence and drive positive change their communities.
Saroja Garad: Cultivating Prosperity with Knowledge
For Saroja Garad of Malavati village, farming was more than just a livelihood – it was a way to increase in her income, rising from approximately ₹1.5 lakhs to ₹2.5 lakhs per harvest season.
“Since I’ve embraced innovative and agriculturally resilient farming methods, I’ve been able to improve my income and support my family, showing that small changes can make a big difference.”
Saroja’s impact extends beyond her farm. As a mentor to 15 women farmers and a collaborator with the Agriculture Technology Management Agency (ATMA), she has helped dozens of farmers adopt more organic practices, proving that knowledge shared is empowerment multiplied.
Her journey reflects the power of knowledge, determination, and community spirit in creating lasting change. By extending her expertise to fellow women farmers in her village, Saroja has not only transformed her own financial future but also empowered others to thrive through resilient farming.
Sony Anantram Shinde: Rebuilding from the Ground Up
In the heart of Hisori village, Maharashtra, Sony Anantram Shinde stands as a testament to the strength of the human spirit. At just 32, Sony has faced unimaginable challenges, but her determination has transformed personal tragedy into a story of empowerment and hope.
Sony’s life, once filled with joy as a wife and mother, took a devastating turn when her husband suffered a debilitating brain injury. Her pain was compounded in 2016 by the tragic loss of her son. Isolated and rejected by her in-laws, she found solace and support in her maternal family.
In the years that followed, Sony sought psychological help to heal from her trauma. By 2022, she was ready to rebuild her life. Encouraged by her father, who owned 2.5 acres of farmland, Sony joined him in farming. Through connections with her village leaders, she learned about SSP, where she received training in organic farming techniques. She was determined to make a fresh start, so she convinced her father to transition to new methods, using natural fertilisers and bio-pesticides.
With just one cow as a resource, Sony took a bold step to secure a small loan which enabled her to purchase additional livestock and start a small dairy business. Within six months, she repaid the loan and reinvested her earnings, doubling her livestock and increasing milk production. Today, Sony sells around 11 litres of milk daily, earning approximately ₹20,000 per month.
This financial stability has been life-changing for Sony. It not only ensures her family’s well-being but also powers their thriving organic farming operations. Leveraging advanced techniques like intercropping, natural pest control, and nutrient-rich bio-fertilisers, her farm now produces a diverse array of crops, including high-quality pulses, fresh vegetables, and nutrient-packed soybeans. Sony’s success stands as a testament to how regenerative agriculture practises can drive economic prosperity while preserving and enriching the environment.
“Life has tested me in ways I never imagined, but farming taught me that with patience, care, and determination, even barren land can flourish again. Just like the seeds I plant, I’ve learned to rebuild my life, one step at a time, for my family and my future.”
Sony’s journey is a powerful reminder that resilience and determination can lead to a fresh start. Despite overwhelming losses, she has created a life of stability and hope. Through regenerative farming, Sony has not only rebuilt her family’s livelihood but also laid the foundation for a brighter future – for herself and her village.
Article Credit: foodtechbiz