Assamese women take big strides towards self -employment

Guwahati, May 15(ANI): Women in the north-east are taking a giant leap towards financial independence, with many taking up horticulture and fruit cultivation.

Some have ventured into individual entrepreneurship, while others like Parveen Ahmed, Bina Boro and Mallika Saikia have jointly started a banana cultivation venture and are reaping rich rewards.

"I want to send a message, especially to women, that agriculture doesn't mean we can only grow wheat or rice. There are many other options like cultivating bananas, guavas and oranges. We all can start some business and it is not difficult," Parveen Ahmed said.

They use the tissue culture technique to cultivate bananas in 2.5hectare land, in Sajanpara village, which has been taken on a monthly lease of Rs. 2000.

The district administration interviewed and allotted them the project. It also provides technical assistance and subsidies and frequently checks the status of the crop as part of the horticulture mission.

"Under the horticulture mission, this year we have taken up Guava cultivation. We have already facilitated orange cultivation in the region. The administration is now planning to take up the cultivation of medicinal plants, too," said Imdad Thakuria, Agriculture Development Officer.

Many women have started self-help groups and cooperative societies in an effort to improve their socio-economic status.

Government organizations like Nedfi provide micro finance to these groups while projects like MGNREGA, Swarnjayanti Gram Rozgar Yojna, and Indira Mahila Yojna also help generate employment opportunities for women in the region. (ANI)