Krishi Sakhi Initiative

Source: PIB

Context:

The Krishi Sakhi Initiative, launched by the Agriculture Insurance Company of India Limited (AIC), is a nationwide programme aimed at empowering women farmers by enhancing their awareness, participation, and access to crop insurance schemes.

This initiative is aligned with India’s broader goal of gender-inclusive agricultural development and strengthening rural resilience.

What is the Krishi Sakhi Initiative?

The Krishi Sakhi Initiative is a structured outreach and capacity-building programme designed to:

• Empower women farmers in rural areas
• Promote their role in agricultural decision-making
• Increase awareness and access to crop insurance
• Strengthen financial and risk security in farming

Core Focus:

Bridging the gap between women farmers and institutional agricultural support systems, especially insurance.

Objectives of Krishi Sakhi Initiative

1. Enhance Women’s Participation in Agriculture

• Encourage women’s active role in:
  • Farming practices
  • Financial decisions
  • Risk management through insurance

2. Promote Inclusive Agriculture

• Foster gender-sensitive agricultural policies
• Recognise women as key contributors to the agricultural economy
• Improve access to government schemes

3. Strengthen Farm Resilience

• Increase awareness of crop insurance benefits
• Reduce vulnerability to:
  • Crop failure
  • Climate risks
  • Income instability

Key Features of the Krishi Sakhi Initiative

1. Month-wise Awareness Campaigns (2026)

• Structured activities conducted throughout the year
• Includes:
  • Educational and awareness videos
  • Walkathons and local campaigns
  • Community-level outreach programmes

Purpose:

To ensure continuous engagement and behavioural change

2. Capacity Building and Training

• Grassroots-level workshops for women farmers
• Training modules include:
  • Understanding crop insurance schemes
  • Claim filing procedures
  • Benefits and coverage details

Outcome:

Improved financial literacy and insurance adoption

3. Social and Behavioural Outreach

• Focus beyond agriculture, including:
  • Sanitation and hygiene awareness
  • Rural health and well-being
• Targeted specifically at women in rural communities

Significance of the Krishi Sakhi Initiative

1. Women Empowerment in Agriculture

• Recognises women as primary stakeholders, not just helpers
• Enhances decision-making power

2. Improved Insurance Penetration

• Addresses low awareness of crop insurance schemes
• Increases adoption of schemes like PM Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY)

3. Climate Resilience

• Helps farmers manage risks from:
  • Climate change
  • Natural disasters
• Reduces income shocks

4. Financial Inclusion

• Encourages participation in formal financial systems
• Strengthens rural economic stability

5. Behavioural Transformation

• Promotes awareness in health, hygiene, and community welfare
• Leads to broader social development