Hazaribagh: Women in Jharkhand's Churchu, a community development block in Hazaribagh, have become self-reliant and are reportedly earning crores of rupees by engaging in farming. In what could be called as a first of its kind initiative in the state, women with primary-level education or those who are not educated at all have come together and set an example of women empowerment.
Backed by Nari Urja Sangh, women are involved in farming and agricultural activities in this company. The Sangh's turnover for the financial year 2019-2020 was Rs 1.10 crores and for this year, the target has been kept at Rs 5 crore. Nari Urja Sangh provides financial opportunities and assistance to almost 7,000 women engaged in farming out of which 1,808 are shareholders.
President of Nari Urja Sangh, Sumitra Devi, told ETV Bharat, "The company's goal is to make small farmers of the district, millionaires. We provide loan to women without interest. Women are also taught how to use new technological practices for farming, along with certified seeds and fertilizers. The company sells the agricultural produce in the market which gives us leverage to increase our bargaining power, thus resulting in huge profits."
Explaining the procedure of joining the company, Devi said, "It's a small investment. By paying Rs 100 one can register themselves and later on, if someone wants to become shareholder then Rs 1000 is required. The company provides financial aid to the women which are used in activities like farming, fisheries and animal husbandry. The profit of the product is retained by the farmers except for the loan amount and at the end of the year, the company distributes profit among all its shareholders.
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In Hazaribagh, there was a women's group called Churchu Nari Urja Mahasangh. On June 6, 2018, it was renamed as Churchu Nari Energy Farmer Producer Company and was registered under the Companies Act at the Registrar of Companies, Jharkhand. This company was raised through Simmi Tata Trust and Support. The sole objective of the company is to raise the standard of living of the farmers by making them millionaires.
Chief Executive officer, Shivnath Chatterjee, said, "At present 14 lakh 23 thousand rupees have been collected through shares."
Marketing expert, Ajit, said, "In 2019-20, a turnover of Rs 1 crore 10 lakh was logged by selling flower cabbage, cabbage, chilli, brinjal, and paddy. This year, the turnover target of Rs 5 crore has been fixed. Cini Tata Trust, Johar and JSLPL, Bayer, Social Alpha and Selco Foundation are supporting this company. At present, 45 enterprising farmers, 13 poly houses, 13 pig rearing, 4 fisheries, 3 goat rearing and 11 lahs have engaged a large number of farmers. Apart from the local market, their products are also being sent to West Bengal and Bihar.
Women farmers associated with this company said that earlier they used to face a lot of troubles. But now, we get financial aid and technological facilities. Our products are also being sold at good prices outside mandis."
Officials of the Hazaribagh Market Committee said that women have done an unmatched work. They believe that women have not only encouraged farming but their hard work sends a message that positive thinking helps in achieving success.
"Women manage the jobs, as well as their homes and, have set an example for others. By becoming Atamnirbhar, they are contributing to boost the economy of the country," they added.
