Empowerment of Farm Woman through Integrated Farming System
Prabir Dutta
July 2, 2025
Mrs.
Rubi Bhowmik Das, W/o, Prabhash Chandra Das, Village- Bishalgarh MC, Block-
Bishalgarh, District- Sepahijala Tripura, Pin - 799102, Contact - 8119851249.
Background:
Mrs. Rubi Bhowmik Das, wife of Shri Prabhash Chandra Das, is an agriculture
farmer dependent upon paddy vegetable and Honey bee cultivation in 3 acre of
land grown in Bishalgarh of Sepahijala District, Tripura. Many of the times,
paddy crop and vegetables used to be affected by natural calamities since 5
years which incurs huge loss. She developed keen interest for animal
agriculture especially dairy-goatery-Millets-horticulture-honeybee to avoid the
loss which was sensitized through ATMA Training organized by Department of
Agriculture & FW Tripura at Bishalgarh in 2023-24 & 2024-25. She was
motivated for scientific methods followed in Integrated Farming System (IFS).
Further, their focused approach on improved method of onion farming supported
by Department changed her mind set to be socio-economically empowered. She was
enlisted as a Achiever Farmer to motivating and mobilizing the farm women.
Training
and motivational support: Under the Farm School on Honey bee rearing. Training
was imparted on scientific method of provides the knowledge and skills
necessary to manage honeybee colonies and produce honey and other hive
products. Training programs cover various aspects, including bee biology, hive
management, pest and disease control, and marketing of honey and related
products Establishment of market linkage and selling of honey which led to
financial benefit of additional 30%. Further, the farmer was trained in
dairying farming, horticulture- Honey bee, onion cultivation,, vegetable
cultivation by scientific staff of Bishalgarh Agri/ Horti Subdivision. Later
on, their keen interest made them to be associated with ATMA, Bishalgarh to
learn scientific methods of agriculture.
Brief
achievements: The spouse developed an integrated farming system within 3 years
consisting of 15 goats, 8 cows, , 1 acre of land for Millets cultivation along
with 1 acre of land for paddy cultivation, 1 acre land for Vegetables
cultivation i.e. off season cabbage cauliflower watermelon, onion and 0.16 acre
land for pond fishery etc. Rubi Bhowmik trying to shifted from inorganic to
organic inputs based cultivation which enabled them to fetch more price
utilizing animal waste through vermicomposting.
During
this period, their income increased (7.5 lakhs per annum). Their keen interest
in cultivation of the Millets (SiA 3258) and prepared different millets recipes
locality made them very popular among the farm women involved in Millets
farming.. Besides animal husbandry activities, training was imparted on various
aspects related to agriculture and allied activities especially Honey bee
rearing, chemical free cultivation of Vegaetavbles, post harvest value addition
of mushroom farming etc. through Field day, Farm school , group discussion,
literature support etc. improving women’s access to various input resources,
technologies, reducing vulnerability and enhancing the decision making power
for their livelihood enhancement and empowerment.
Impact
in the area: Smt. Rubi developed the leadership and communication ability by
continuous exposure to various on campus and off campus trainings,
scientist-farmers interface organized by ATMA & State Agri dept which
enabled her to be self-reliant and rare distinction of a well- known
progressive farmer. She has established strong linkages with about 25 Nos farm
women; through women self help groups and promoted different allied
agricultural activities through cluster approach to enhance socio-economic
well-being. Seven farm families followed them as a role model having expertise
in various fields’ of agriculture and financial benefits. Many of the youths
and farmers undertake training from Department of Agriculture & FW who
sends their trainees to visit the IFS system developed by Smt. Rubi Bhowmik.
Department of Agriculture & FW is proud to be associated with the spouse
for their remarkable achievements through proper gender synergy which is a
source of inspiration for rural farm women.
(Tripurainfo)
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