Adani Foundation Trains Tribal Women in Gardening

Surat : In a significant initiative aimed at empowering tribal women, the Adani Foundation, in collaboration with the office of the Deputy Director of Horticulture, organized a training camp for the sisters of Sakhi Mandal in Umarpada taluka. This program focuses on teaching the women to grow high-quality vegetables at home without the use of chemical fertilizers, thereby reducing household expenses and promoting sustainable practices.

The training camp, held in Umarkhadi village, covered essential aspects of vegetable cultivation. The initiative also included the free distribution of seeds, covering 13 varieties, to encourage the establishment of kitchen gardens. By the end of the year, the Adani Foundation plans to set up 2,000 kitchen gardens in Umarpada.

“Our goal is to empower women by providing them with the knowledge and resources to cultivate their own vegetables,” said a representative from the Adani Foundation. “This initiative not only helps in reducing their cost of living but also promotes healthier food choices.”

The event saw the participation of key figures such as Hiralben Chaudhary, the horticulture officer of Umarpada taluka, Rameshbhai Vasava, the taluka panchayat president, and Ramanbhai Vasava, the deputy sarpanch of Umarkhadi panchayat. Village farmers, along with 50 women from Sakhi Mandal, attended the training, which included guidance on various government horticulture schemes, vegetable sowing, and maintenance techniques.

“It’s crucial for us to disseminate this knowledge to the women in our community,” said Hiralben Chaudhary. “By understanding soil preparation, seed selection, and planting techniques, these women can create sustainable kitchen gardens that benefit their families and the environment.”

The training included practical advice on soil preparation, choosing high-quality seeds, proper seed spacing, and making vegetable beds. The goal is to ensure that the women can successfully grow vegetables at home, promoting food security and self-sufficiency within their communities.

Rameshbhai Vasava emphasized the importance of community involvement and support in making the initiative a success. “When women in our communities are empowered with knowledge and resources, it leads to the overall development of our society,” he stated.

By the end of the fiscal year 2024-25, the Adani Foundation and Hazira aim to distribute seeds and provide training to a total of 2,000 women in their wadas. This initiative is part of a broader effort to improve the quality of life for tribal families by reducing dependency on market-purchased vegetables and encouraging home-based organic farming.