Bulandshahar: The 88 women self-help groups (SHGs) in the Bulandshahar district of Uttar Pradesh have been entrusted with the task of preparing sugarcane seedlings, reported Amar Ujala.
The government will provide a subsidy of Rs 1.50 per seedling, and the SHGs will be able to sell each seedling to farmers for Rs 2-3. This is expected to generate millions of rupees in income for the SHGs.
Bulandshahar is home to four sugar mills, namely Anupshahar, Anamika, Sabitgarh, and Veer Sugar Mills. The selection of SHGs for the seedling preparation task falls in line with government directives through the District Sugarcane Department. These groups have the liberty to produce as many seedlings as needed without incurring any associated costs since they have access to their sugarcane fields. For those without access to fields, the Sugarcane Department will provide essential resources, including seed tray cutters. Periodic inspections by department officials will ensure the quality of seedlings produced by the women.
This initiative has engaged approximately 500 women from 88 different groups who are actively participating in the preparation of sugarcane seedlings.
The SHGs will be responsible for preparing the seedlings in nurseries. The seedlings will be grown from sugarcane cuttings that the SHGs will collect from their fields or the sugarcane department. The department will provide the SHGs with free tools and equipment to help them prepare the seedlings.
The sugarcane department says that the use of seedlings is more efficient than the traditional method of planting sugarcane cuttings directly in the field. Seedlings are more likely to survive and produce a higher yield.
Last year, the SHGs in the Bulandshahar district earned over Rs 80 lakh from selling sugarcane seedlings.
