Agriculture forms the backbone of rural India, but women farmers often face systemic challenges, entrenched societal norms, and personal hardships. In Maharashtra, these struggles are compounded by erratic weather patterns, with the state experiencing 142 days of extreme weather last year, leading to over 60% of India’s crop damage. For small and marginal farming households, unseasonal rains, floods, and droughts have threatened livelihoods. However, despite these challenges, women farmers are driving transformative change.
In Maharashtra, women farmers have adopted the Women-Led Climate Resilient Farming (WCRF) model to build food-secure futures for their families and communities. This initiative, supported by Swayam Shikshan Prayog (SSP) and ADM, empowers women to act as change agents, paving the way for resilient agricultural practices that help communities withstand severe weather events. Since the project’s inception in December 2023, it has reached around 1,500 women across 30 villages, equipping them with the necessary skills and knowledge to adopt organic practices, increase output, and enhance community resilience. Recognizing the impact of the initiative, ADM has extended its partnership with SSP until June 2025, underscoring its commitment to fostering climate-resilient farming practices and empowering women farmers in Maharashtra.
The journeys of Archana Waghmare and Shamal Pawar illustrate how organic farming has empowered women to achieve food security for their families and communities.
Archana Waghmare: Turning Grief into Empowerment
Archana Waghmare, from Nanded, Maharashtra, had no prior experience in farming before marrying into a farming family in Nandgaon, Latur. Tragedy struck when her husband died in a farming accident, leaving her widowed and uncertain about her future. In 2023, Archana’s life changed when she enrolled in an organic farming training program under the SSP initiative. Using livestock waste and the skills taught in the program, Archana adopted organic methods, producing bio-pesticides and manure that reduced farming costs and rejuvenated her land. She converted two acres of her family’s five-acre farm to organic farming, while continuing to grow cash crops on the remaining land.
Through her efforts, Archana diversified her crops to include chilies, ladyfinger, and leafy greens, ensuring a steady and reliable food supply for her family. By growing their own vegetables, she has significantly reduced her family’s dependence on market-bought produce, ensuring a consistent food source despite external uncertainties.
“Organic farming has transformed our lives. We’re not just saving money; we’ve strengthened our family’s future with reliable, homegrown food,” says Archana.
Shamal Pawar: A Beacon of Hope
In Nagazari village, Latur District, Shamal Pawar’s journey is one of resilience. After losing her husband and brother-in-law in a workplace accident in 2017, Shamal was left to care for her three children, including a one-year-old, while managing the family’s three-acre farm. In 2019, she joined SSP’s organic farming initiative. Starting with half an acre, Shamal witnessed substantial improvements in soil health and a reduction in reliance on costly farming inputs. By 2023, Shamal was mentoring 50 women farmers, teaching them to adopt resilient agricultural practices and produce bio-pesticides and organic manure.
Shamal now cultivates over 15 crops, including soybeans, vegetables, and pulses. This diversification ensures a consistent food supply for her family while creating surplus harvests that provide much-needed financial stability. Her soybean harvest alone generated ₹60,000 last year, which contributed to the financial well-being of her family. More significantly, Shamal’s work extends beyond her own farm. By mentoring other women and helping them access government schemes, she has broadened the program’s reach, fostering a resilient and food-secure community.
“Sustainable farming has given my family the security of knowing we’ll always have food on the table. It’s also given me the chance to help other women achieve the same for their families,” Shamal shares.
The Foundation for Food Security
The stories of Archana Waghmare and Shamal Pawar highlight the crucial role organic farming plays in supporting food security. Through the WCRF model, these women have transformed their farms into reliable sources of sustenance, producing diverse crops that mitigate the risks associated with unpredictable environmental conditions.
By adopting organic farming practices, they have not only reduced costs and improved yields but also created a future where their families and communities have consistent, sufficient food supplies. Their journeys exemplify the transformative power of empowering women farmers to build food-secure and resilient futures.
Their success demonstrates that fostering sustainable farming practices is not just about growing crops; it’s about cultivating stability, resilience, and prosperity for entire communities. When women lead in agriculture, the ripple effects reach far beyond their farms, ensuring a stronger, food-secure future for all.
