Empowering Women Entrepreneurs in Rural Maharashtra Amid Climate Change Impacts

The Impact of Climate Change on Farming Communities in Gundegaon, Maharashtra

The impact of climate change on farming communities in the village of Gundegaon in Maharashtra’s Ahmednagar district has been significant, particularly affecting the income of women engaged in agriculture. However, in the face of adversity, women like Kalpana Sandip Dhawade have turned to entrepreneurship to secure their livelihoods. After facing crop losses due to erratic rainfall, Dhawade took a brave step and ventured into poultry farming in 2017. Her initial investment in rearing 10,000 birds has now grown into a profitable business, with a monthly turnover of Rs 3 to 4 lakh.

Notably, Santosh Bhapkar, a progressive farmer and deputy sarpanch of the village, has played a crucial role in empowering women in Gundegaon. Through his collective, Sampoorn Shetkari Ghat, Bhapkar has aided 300 farmers in transitioning to organic farming, resulting in the transformation of 1,800 hectares of land. The collective has also facilitated loans for entrepreneurs like Savita Bapu Choudhary, who established a pulse processing centre with their support.

Among the success stories is Ribeka Shamvel Jawale, who, inspired by the collective’s work, turned her family’s land into an organic farm that produces a variety of crops. Similarly, the initiative has encouraged women like Bhamabai Bhapkar and Sindhubai Dhangar to engage in poultry farming and animal husbandry, respectively, to achieve financial independence.

Moreover, the collective has extended its impact through the establishment of Shendriya Shetkari, a shop for farmers to procure organic nutrients and amendments. The shop, managed by Jyothi Santosh Bapkar, not only serves as a sustainable business but also as a platform for conducting workshops and providing support to women farmers in the community.

Their determination to break the cycle of poverty and adapt to the challenges posed by climate change has propelled the women of Gundegaon into entrepreneurship. Their success reflects the strength and resilience of rural women who have transitioned from traditional household roles to becoming innovative entrepreneurs in their own right. As they continue to carve their path in the business world, these women are changing the landscape of rural entrepreneurship in Maharashtra.

This inspiring narrative from Gundegaon sheds light on the transformative impact of women in agriculture and entrepreneurship, defying the constraints of climate change. The stories of these women serve as a testament to the resilience and resourcefulness that can thrive in the face of adversity. The future looks promising as these women continue to forge their own paths and emerge as leaders, not just in their households, but in the broader economic landscape of rural Maharashtra.