In 2013, CherYsh Trust, in collaboration with EID Parry and Murugappa Group, initiated the Agriculture Program in Haliyal, Karnataka. With sugarcane being a prominent cash crop in the region, CherYsh identified a unique opportunity to empower rural women by involving them in agro-allied livelihoods, such as sugarcane bud nurseries.
Key milestones of this initiative:
- Training and Skill Development: Women received training in Chennai by the Murugappa Group to manage sugarcane nurseries. A bottom-up approach encouraged the women to be actively involved in planning, production, and management.
- Pilot Success: The first sugarcane bud nursery was established in Mundwad, managed by a collective of local women. Now in its fifth year, the initiative has become a reliable income source for the women involved.
- Sustainability and Expansion: The program ensures women earn regular income while meeting the local demand for sugarcane saplings. CherYsh plans to replicate this success in other villages by forming four additional women’s groups and further strengthening market linkages.
Program Goals and Objectives
- Empower rural and tribal women by providing skills, resources, and financial independence.
- Establish multiple sugarcane bud nurseries in the region, enhancing income by 25-30% annually.
- Foster skill development through technical and entrepreneurial training, such as Employee Assistance and Entrepreneurship Development Programs.
- Improve the quality of life by increasing access to financial opportunities and reducing dependence on traditional, low-income activities.
Challenges
Despite its success, the program faces challenges such as limited marketing linkages, resulting in limited orders. CherYsh aims to overcome this through better market integration and product diversification.
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