Transforming rural women and youth into confident entrepreneurs and eco-smart farmers.
In Kutumdola village, a small group of women gather around sewing machines, stitching vibrant garments. These women, once dependent on irregular farm wages, are now entrepreneurs running their own tailoring units. “We never imagined earning this much on our own,” says Meena, one of the trainees.
Through targeted SHG training, kitchen gardening, and mushroom cultivation, over 300 rural women and youth have been equipped with practical skills to start income-generating ventures. Mushroom cultivation in Bolangir has become a surprising success, with participants earning extra income within weeks. Farmers trained in organic agriculture and water-efficient methods are not only reducing costs but also setting examples for eco-friendly farming in their villages. These initiatives are proof that when skills meet opportunity, rural communities thrive.