Ashwini Sandeep Bhoyar, a 32-year-old farmer from Pimpalkhuti village in Yavatmal, belongs to a joint farming family dependent on agriculture. Consecutive years of poor rainfall, low productivity and limited access to improved techniques had increased uncertainty around crop yields and household income.

Through community-level engagement, Ashwini became an active member of a Women’s Self-Help Group and joined the Jivonnoti Mahila Farmer Producer Organisation. This gave her access to collective support and opportunities to participate in capacity-building programmes on pre-Kharif planning, crop management and soil health.

Using the knowledge gained, Ashwini diversified her cropping pattern. Alongside cotton, pigeon pea and wheat, she introduced soybean and groundnut. The shift towards diversified and informed farming practices helped reduce dependence on a limited crop mix, manage production risks and improve overall farm productivity.

The change has strengthened income stability and resilience against climate-related challenges. Ashwini has also emerged as a progressive farmer, encouraging other women and farmers in her community to adopt improved practices and participate in collective institutions. Her journey demonstrates the value of knowledge, collective action and farmer-led decision-making.