Raipur. Organic farming is a powerful tool for empowering women, providing them with economic independence, improved health and nutrition, enabling them to become entrepreneurs and leaders in their communities. Dantewada district, rich in natural beauty, is emerging as a new hub for organic farming and women's empowerment. Moving beyond traditional farming, women here are taking new steps toward self-reliance by adopting organic mushroom production as a cash crop.

The Pradhan Mantri Dhan-Dhanya Krishi Yojana, implemented in Dantewada district, has played a significant role in economically empowering tribal women in particular. Among these progressive women, Shakuntala Vaiko, a farmer from Bade Karli village, is an inspiring example. Despite living with limited resources, she achieved great success through her determination and hard work. After receiving training, Shakuntala adopted mushroom production as her primary livelihood, choosing to do so entirely organically.

Shakuntala Vaiko says that this enterprise has provided her with financial independence, better income for her family and a respectable identity in the society. Today, she is not only improving the economic condition of her family but is also inspiring other women of the village to take up entrepreneurship by training them. Organic mushrooms of Dantewada are both tasty and healthy. Organic mushrooms grown in the clean climate there are considered chemical-free, rich in protein and vitamins and extremely beneficial for health. Its demand in the local markets is continuously increasing, due to which women are getting a stable income.

Organic farming has improved women's health, food security, and economic well-being. Organic farming offers excellent opportunities for women. Shakuntala's achievement demonstrates that with proper training, support from government programs, and their own hard work, even women in remote forest areas can become successful entrepreneurs. This model is a strong example of women's economic empowerment in Dantewada.

Consumers looking to include fresh and healthy organic mushrooms in their diets can contact the Agriculture Department or farmer Shakuntala Vaiko, Village Bade Karli, to obtain organic mushrooms directly from the farm. Organic farming benefits women. Farming families can reduce health risks and free themselves from dependence on external resources and capital.