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Becoming a Krushi Sakhi: Leadership That Grows from Practice
6 days ago
Becoming a Krushi Sakhi: Leadership That Grows from Practice
In the fields of Gujarat, where women have long nurtured the soil in silence, their voices are now shaping the future of farming. At the heart of this transformation stands the Krushi Sakhi, a lead woman farmer whose leadership grows not from titles or training certificates but from trust earned in the field. For years, agricultural leadership often reflected visibility, where those who spoke louder or held influence were seen as leaders. Utthan reimagined this idea, believing that true credibility in farming must come from lived practice and collective recognition rather than position or privilege.
Across villages, participatory meetings brought together women farmers to nominate peers who demonstrated consistent knowledge and commitment to ecological practices. This nomination was only the beginning. After the Kharif season, Utthan’s technical team visited each nominated woman’s field to observe her work in real conditions. They assessed how she used methods such as intercropping, composting, seed preservation, and water conservation. The selection process was grounded, transparent, and deeply rooted in evidence, ensuring that leadership reflected effort and practice rather than words or social standing.
Through this thoughtful and inclusive approach, leadership began to take new meaning. Women who were once overlooked became Krushi Sakhis because of their dedication, discipline, and care for the land. Today, these women stand as role models within their communities, guiding peers through hands-on learning and inspiring others to adopt sustainable methods. Their leadership continues to grow naturally from experience and example. Utthan’s process did more than identify leaders; it nurtured them, showing that when women lead through their work in the soil, transformation grows from the ground up.
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