Songs of solidarity: India’s women farmers find strength in numbers
Khunti district in the state of Jharkhand is known for being the birthplace of Birsa Munda, a tribal leader who spearheaded a revolutionary movement in the Bengal presidenc y. However, today, the district is known for something else entirely: Mahila Mandal, a group of nearly 15,000-16,000 women farmers who have come together to form a collective.
The seeds of the group were sown in 2004, with the help of a not-for-profit organisation Professional Assistance for Development Action (PRADAN). Neelam Topno, a farmer belonging to the Munda tribe and on e of the female board members of the group, says PRADAN conducted workshops on a new method of growing rice, which used less water. The women in the group were also trained in growing vegetables and fruits in small kitchen gardens and nurseries.
“Now we not only have enough to feed ourselves, but also have surplus to sell in big markets,” she adds. The women in her group keep a target of sell ing produce worth at least Rs 1-1. 5 lakh per year.