Mukhya Mantri Mahila Kisan Sashaktikaran Yojana: Financial Assistance, Training

The “Mukhya Mantri Mahila Kisan Sashaktikaran Yojana” is a flagship scheme designed to empower women farmers in Gujarat. Under this programme, women farmers receive financial assistance and training to improve their agricultural productivity and income. The scheme takes a holistic approach by enhancing access to modern agricultural inputs, credit, technology, and market linkages, while also encouraging the formation of women farmer groups. It is part of a broader set of welfare initiatives aimed at improving governance and living standards in the state.

Key Components

• Financial Assistance:
  Women farmers are provided funds to purchase agricultural inputs, seeds, equipment, and other necessities.

• Training and Capacity Building:
  The scheme offers training programs that build skills and knowledge in modern agricultural practices.

• Group Formation:
  It encourages the formation of women farmer groups to foster collective bargaining and shared resources.

• Access to Credit:
  Women farmers gain improved access to credit facilities through various financial institutions, reducing dependence on informal moneylenders.

• Market Linkages:
  The scheme facilitates better market access and support for marketing farm produce.

Objectives

• Promote women’s participation in agriculture.

• Enhance agricultural productivity and income for women farmers.

• Reduce the gender gap in agriculture-related activities.

• Support sustainable and inclusive development in the agricultural sector.

Eligibility

• Who Can Apply:

  • Only women farmers who own or operate agricultural land in Gujarat are eligible.

  • Applicants must be residents of Gujarat.

• Age & Income:

  • There is no specific age or income limit; however, preference is given to those from economically weaker sections.

• Registration:

  • Women farmers must register with the Department of Agriculture and Co-operation.

• Group Application:

  • Farmers can apply individually or form groups to collectively access benefits.

Exclusions

• Government employees (other than farmers) are not eligible.

• Beneficiaries under this scheme cannot simultaneously avail benefits from any other similar scheme for the same purpose.

Application Process

Mode: Offline

1. Obtain the Application Form:
   Visit your nearest government agriculture office or village panchayat office to obtain the application form.

2. Fill in the Details:
   Complete the form with personal details, landholding information, and details of agricultural activities.

3. Attach Required Documents:
   Submit necessary documents such as:

   • Aadhaar Card

   • White Ration Card

   • First and Second Pages of the Land Passbook

   • Residential proof

   • Caste certificate (if applicable)

   • Other relevant documents (as specified)

4. Submission:
   Submit the completed form and attachments to the designated government agriculture or village panchayat office.

5. Tracking & Grievances:
   After submission, track your application status online at www.ysrjalakala.ap.gov.in or call the Spandana Toll-Free No. 1902 for any queries or grievances.

Post-Application Process

• Verification:
  Applications are first scrutinized at the Village Secretariat by the VRO after field verification, then forwarded to the Assistant Project Director (DWMA/MPDO).

• Feasibility Assessment:
  A drilling contractor, along with a qualified geologist/geophysicist, conducts integrated hydrogeological and geophysical surveys as per APWALTA norms to identify feasible drilling sites.

• Sanction and Implementation:
  Based on survey reports, estimates are prepared and sent for administrative sanction by the District Collector, after which the borewell drilling is initiated. A social audit and geo-tagged digital photographs are taken post-drilling.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• Which department introduced the scheme?
  The scheme is introduced by the Department of Rural Development, Government of Andhra Pradesh.

• What are the objectives of YSR Jala Kala?
  To optimally utilize groundwater for irrigation, thereby enhancing farmers’ livelihoods and contributing to state development.

• Is a preliminary survey conducted?
  Yes, an integrated hydrogeological and geophysical survey is carried out before drilling to ensure feasibility.

• What are the borewell specifications?
  Borewells are constructed using the 900 ‘V’ notch method, with a minimum yield of 1000 GPH (4500 liters per hour).

• What if the borewell fails?
  If the borewell fails, a second borewell is drilled on the same land, and the failed borewell is prepared as a recharge well.

• Where can the scheme guidelines be found?
  Detailed guidelines are available on the official YSR Jala Kala website.

• What is NAVARATNALU?
  NAVARATNALU refers to a suite of welfare schemes in Andhra Pradesh aimed at improving governance, living standards, and service delivery.

• Are over-exploited revenue villages eligible?
  No, lands in over-exploited revenue villages (as per the latest government notifications) are not eligible.

• Who identifies feasible drilling sites?
  A drilling contractor, in consultation with a geologist/geophysicist, identifies feasible sites following APWALTA norms.