They can help conserve indigenous seeds, promote natural farming, process millets and encourage organic agricultural products, says Karnataka Grameena Bank chairman
Self-help groups (SHGs) can play a vital role in conserving indigenous seeds, promoting natural farming, processing millets, and encouraging organic agricultural products, according to Shreekant M Bhandiwad, Chairman of Karnataka Grameena Bank (KGB).
Interacting with the members of the Bibi Fatima Women SHG and the associated FPO (farmer producer organisation) centre at Ingalagi village in Dharwad district of Karnataka, he emphasized that value addition to agricultural produce is extremely important for the empowerment of farmers, and appreciated the efforts of FPOs in this direction.
He said that active participation of women SHGs in agriculture and allied activities would strengthen the rural economy.
He hoped that the innovative initiatives and environmentally conscious efforts undertaken by the members of Bibi Fatima SHG in promoting organic farming products would inspire other rural communities.
Sustainable model
Started in 2018 with financial assistance from KGB’s Ingalagi branch, Bibi Fatima SHG has established a community seed bank and a millet processing unit, benefiting more than 200 farmers across nearly 30 villages. Through millet-based mixed cropping systems and eco-friendly farming practices, the group has emerged as a model for sustainable rural development.
In 2025, Bibi Fatima SHG received the ‘Equator Initiative Award’ of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in recognition of its contribution.