Diplomat Correspondent
Kargil: DD, The Union Territory of Ladakh marked a significant milestone in strengthening women-led farm livelihoods with the successful completion of a 4-days residential orientation-cum-training program on Mahila Kisan Sashaktikaran Pariyojana – Implementation Framework for Convergence (MKSP-IFC) under the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM).
The training was held from 14th to 17th July 2025 in Kargil district, targeting the Human Resource (HR) teams of MKSP, active Self Help Group (SHG) members, and functionaries of DMMU, BMMU, and SMMU from both Leh and Kargil districts.
The orientation was organized with the technical support of the National Mission Management Unit (NMMU) and facilitated by National Resource Person (NRP) – Farm Livelihood, Baburao, a seasoned expert in rural and farm livelihoods.
The training aimed to build a strong foundational understanding among the stakeholders on the core themes of MKSP-IFC and its convergence strategies.
The sessions included: Understanding of rural livelihoods and vulnerabilities, Adaptation strategies and planning frameworks for smallholder women farmers, Commodity prioritization using the Livelihood Enterprise Ranking Matrix (LERM), Participatory value chain mapping of key commodities, Group exercises for identifying potential sectoral interventions, including: Agro-ecological practices, Livestock-based livelihoods
Agri-Nutri gardens and backyard nutrition models.
The program emphasized participatory methods and hands-on group work, enabling HR teams and SHG members to contextualize the learning for implementation in their respective clusters and villages.
This training marked the first-ever orientation of its kind in the UT of Ladakh, reaffirming the administration’s commitment to strengthening women-led sustainable agriculture and farm-based livelihoods in the region.
The convergence approach under MKSP-IFC envisions improved coordination between various line departments, technical institutions, and community platforms to ensure that women farmers are not only producers but also decision-makers and entrepreneurs.
The event concluded with the reaffirmation of roles and responsibilities among the HR and SHG representatives, with a roadmap for future rollouts of sectoral interventions, aligned with the agro-climatic context of Ladakh.DD
