| Custom Hiring Centres (CHCs) in agriculture aim to provide affordable and convenient access to modern farming machinery and equipment, particularly for women and marginalized farmers who cannot afford to purchase these tools individually. CHCs help reduce cultivation costs, promote mechanization, foster entrepreneurship, and enhance farm income and profitability. To support this initiative, the ICAR-Central Institute for Women in Agriculture (ICAR-CIWA), Bhubaneswar, organized a three-day Capacity Building Programme titled "Women Entrepreneurship in Agricultural Production and Processing through Custom Hiring Centre (CHC)" from April 24–26, 2025, at Halupali village in Bhatli Block, Bargarh District. This programme was conducted under the Scheduled Caste Sub Plan (SCSP). The training was designed to motivate, mobilize, and empower women farmers to become entrepreneurs by establishing and managing CHCs. As an introductory programme, it familiarized participants with the CHC concept and guided them on operating centres effectively to maximize the benefits of agricultural mechanization. Throughout the three days, participants attended multiple sessions that covered: ICAR-CIWA's ongoing efforts for gender mainstreaming and women empowerment in agriculture, Innovative entrepreneurial strategies and group dynamics to promote gender equity through CHCs, Farm mechanization and the operation of agricultural tools by women entrepreneurs, Effective management and benefits of CHCs, The role of Women’s Self-Help Groups (WSHGs) in implementing CHCs. Demonstrations were held on using various machines provided under the SCSP, including the Mini Rice Mill, Flour Mill, Power Operated Chaff Cutter, Foot Sprayer, and Battery-Operated Power Sprayer. Participants received hands-on training to operate all equipment safely and efficiently. Through this programme, marginalized women farmers are expected to gain essential skills for agricultural production and processing, empowering them economically and fostering self-reliance. The programme was coordinated by Dr. A. K. Panda, Head of Division (GF&CS), and Mr. Bhikari Charan Behera, Senior Technical Officer. |
