Lucknow: Over 57,000 rural women in the state have become successful entrepreneurs by engaging in sugarcane production, the state govt said on Thursday.This has been achieved under the Advanced Sugarcane Seed Distribution Programme, launched in 2020-21 in the state. Under this scheme, 3,163 women self-help groups have been formed across 37 sugarcane-growing districts. A total of 57,322 women have gained self-employment through this initiative. Additionally, more than 4.5 lakh workdays have been generated so far. The measure has not only strengthened their financial condition but has also given new momentum to the rural economy. Sugarcane Commissioner Ministhy S said the initiative has increased women’s confidence and encouraged their active participation in agriculture. “It includes 10,270 women from Scheduled Castes and 130 from Scheduled Tribes, who are now becoming self-reliant and strengthening their families’ financial conditions,” the spokesperson said. Women self-help groups have produced 60.73 crore sugarcane seeds so far. In return, they have received subsidies exceeding Rs 77.83 crore. This has provided large-scale financial benefits to rural women. Ministhy S also said that the department has signed an MoU with the Rural Livelihood Mission to empower women. Under this, “Prerna Canteens” will be run in committees. Women will also be provided loans and other facilities, which will further increase their employment opportunities and income, she said.
