By Magan Tanchak for BIS Mumbai

In a significant step towards empowering tribal women and promoting sustainable rural livelihoods, Divya Mahila Bachat Mandal, a Self-Help Group (SHG) comprising 16 women from Ghelvat village, has received a mini tractor and agricultural equipment under a 90 per cent government subsidy scheme. The initiative, implemented by the Gujarat Livelihood Promotion Company (GLPC), Chhota Udepur, was facilitated with the support of Lok Seva Kendra, Chhota Udepur, a social wing of Don Bosco Chhotaudepur.

The initiative aims to strengthen the economic independence of tribal women, modernise agricultural practices, and create sustainable income-generating opportunities for rural families. Access to agricultural machinery is expected to reduce the burden on small and marginal farmers while encouraging women to participate more actively in agricultural activities and rural entrepreneurship.

Under the scheme, the group received assistance towards a mini tractor, trolley, rotavator, and other essential agricultural implements. The government subsidy covers 90 per cent of the eligible cost, while the beneficiary group contributes the remaining 10 per cent through its own resources or a loan, as applicable. This substantial financial assistance makes modern agricultural equipment more accessible to women who might otherwise find it difficult to afford such machinery.

The selection and approval process involved the examination of applications submitted through online and offline channels. The concerned GLPC authorities verified the group's eligibility, financial details, bank passbooks, Aadhaar cards, and SHG registration documents. Physical verification of the agricultural equipment was also undertaken as part of the process.

As part of a district-level programme, the keys of the mini tractor and the agricultural implements were formally handed over to the representatives of Divya Mahila Bachat Mandal. This marks an important milestone in the group's journey towards collective economic growth and self-reliance.

Beyond meeting their own farming requirements, the women can make the machinery available to other farmers on a rental basis. This could help them establish a community-based agricultural equipment rental service, generating collective income while enabling neighbouring farmers to access modern machinery at affordable rates.

The equipment is expected to save time, reduce dependence on manual labour, and facilitate timely agricultural operations. Its effective utilisation and collective management could further strengthen the group's financial stability and entrepreneurial skills.

The initiative highlights the positive impact of collaboration between government livelihood programmes and community-based organisations.