Women from marginalised families in drought-prone districts of western Maharashtra are helping farmers improve crop yields through soil health testing and scientific guidance. The Mann Deshi Foundation’s Agriculture and Climate Action Programme began training women as Soil Sakhis in 2023. The initiative covers Satara, Sangli, Solapur, Kolhapur and Pune, and has reached farmers across nine drought-prone talukas.
What the initiative does
The Soil Sakhis travel through rural areas to collect soil samples, coordinate laboratory testing and share practical recommendations with farmers. They provide immediate, actionable reports linked to soil testing labs. Farmers pay a fee of about ₹400 to ₹900 for the tests. The women earn ₹8,000 to ₹10,000 per month, excluding petrol allowance.
Impact on women and farming communities
The programme has created a new role for rural women who were earlier seen only as farmers’ wives. They now attend training sessions, host scientists on farms, prepare bio-inputs and advise on crop decisions. So far, Soil Sakhis have reached 2,394 farmers. Some trained women are also mentoring the next batch of Soil Sakhis, expanding the model across the region.
Environmental and economic gains
A study linked the intervention to a reduction of 988.37 tonnes of CO2e emissions, based on lower fertiliser use between January 2024 and December 2025. The programme promotes soil-based crop planning, which helps reduce input costs and improve sustainability in drought-hit areas. It also supports climate-resilient agriculture by encouraging more efficient use of fertilisers and better soil management.
Farm-level outcomes and expert response
Farmers have reported visible gains in orchards and field crops. In one case, soil testing identified high limestone content in a mango orchard, leading to organic corrective measures and a 40% rise in yield within two years. Agricultural experts have described the women as community agronomists, noting their role in improving pomegranate and mango cultivation through scientific field guidance.
Last Modified: April 28, 2026