Shimla, Jan 16,
Seven exceptional women from Himachal Pradesh were recognized for their remarkable contributions to agriculture and allied sectors during the Foundation Day of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research’s (ICAR) Agricultural Technology Application Research Institute (ATARI) Zone-1 in Ludhiana. The women, hailing from Chamba, Shimla, Solan, and Lahaul & Spiti districts, were honored with the Innovative Women Entrepreneur Awards, celebrating their groundbreaking work in a traditionally male-dominated industry.
These awardees have transformed agricultural practices in Himachal Pradesh by leveraging the state’s diverse climatic conditions. Their innovative ventures have been supported by Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) managed by Dr. YS Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni. Among the honorees, Cheering Butith of Sumling, Lahaul & Spiti, leads a group of 75 farmers under the Spiti Seabuckthorn Society, producing seabuckthorn-based products like juice, tea, and jam. Aarti Shandil of Kawarag, Solan, excels in mushroom cultivation and runs a biodegradable plate manufacturing unit employing local women and marketing products online.
Pinki Devi of Koti Deora, Solan, is a dedicated natural farmer specializing in millet-based food production and livestock rearing. Anjali Kumari from Udhapur, Chamba, has branded and marketed a diverse range of products, including natural forest goods and handmade crafts, under the Pangi Hills FPO. Reetu Devi of Bhandarka, Chamba, stands out for her food processing skills, producing Chamba Green Chukh, pickles, and more through the Astha Self-Help Group. Similarly, Babli Kumari of Chamba is known for her premium jute products crafted through the Chamunda Self-Help Group, while Divya Sharma of Jagothi, Shimla, focuses on fruit and forest produce processing and trains women in food processing techniques.
In addition, Usha Sharma, a senior scientist at KVK Shimla, received the Performance Excellence Award for her leadership in natural farming and innovative apple cultivation models. Speaking on the occasion, Vice-Chancellor Rajeshwar Singh Chandel praised the honorees, stating, “These women exemplify the potential of entrepreneurial innovation in agriculture.”
The achievements of these women highlight the transformative role of female entrepreneurs in agriculture, inspiring others to pursue agricultural entrepreneurship as a viable and impactful career path.
