ICAR-CIWA Establishes 11 Women-Led Custom Hiring Centres in Odisha

ICAR-Central Institute for Women in Agriculture (ICAR-CIWA), Bhubaneswar, has taken a significant step toward empowering women farmers by signing Memorandums of Agreement with 11 Women Farmers' Interest Groups (FIGs) and Self-Help Groups (SHGs). This initiative, under the Scheduled Caste Sub Plan (SCSP) of the Government of India, focuses on establishing Custom Hiring Centres (CHCs) in Odisha's Puri, Khordha, Bhadrak, and Balasore districts.

Dr. R.C. Agrawal, Deputy Director General (Agricultural Education), ICAR, graced the event as the Chief Guest, alongside Dr. Mridula Devi, Director of ICAR-CIWA. The CHC model aims to provide affordable access to farm machinery and equipment, enabling small and marginal farmers to enhance agricultural productivity without the financial burden of purchasing costly machinery.

These centers will not only reduce labor-intensive tasks but also support local entrepreneurship by generating income through equipment rentals. Moreover, they aim to promote value addition in agricultural produce, benefiting farmers' families and fostering sustainable growth in rural communities.

The 11 FIGs, representing over 110 Scheduled Caste women engaged in agriculture and allied activities, are at the forefront of this initiative. By equipping them with essential tools and machinery, ICAR-CIWA is ensuring these women can actively participate in modern agricultural practices, paving the way for economic self-reliance.

Custom Hiring Centres are increasingly recognized as vital for addressing the challenges faced by smallholder farmers. These facilities enable farmers to rent machinery for plowing, sowing, irrigation, harvesting, and post-harvest operations, thus improving efficiency and reducing costs.

The program promises to create a ripple effect of empowerment and agricultural advancement across Odisha by combining skill development, resource accessibility, and income generation.