It’s one of the memorable days in the life of several women, most of whom are from oppressed sections, working with the Deccan Development Society (DDS). More than three decades of their work in the farming sector following age-old practices has brought them laurels from none other than the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). It has announced six women from DDS sanghams as winner of ‘Equator Prize’ for 2019. The award sights DDS sangham women as ‘an outstanding example of a local, nature-based solution to climate change and sustainable development’. Celebrating the announcement of the award, the DDS felicitated six women who took the lead role in various activities on the occasion of World Environment Day.
Addressing a gathering, V. Usha Rani, Director General of National Institute of Agriculture Extension Management (MANAGE), said the DDS has been offering a global solution to climate change, a crisis being faced across the world. She said the women of DDS have been working relentlessly for the past three decades to protect the environment by following the traditional systems. “Consume fresh food grown locally to protect your health. This will be helpful in protecting the soil health as well,” she said. Ashish Kothari, environmentalist and founder of Kalpavriksh, Pune, said the DDS offered solutions to global challenges about two decades ago, but everyone failed to recognise that which they accept now. “You have proved that gender and caste discrimination will not come in the way of achieving self reliance and autonomy. The women have ensured food security and have achieved food sovereignty,” he said.
Utkarsh Ghate, climate change expert and a visiting faculty at National Institute of Rural Development (NIRD), said they had proposed the DDS activities for this prize about five years ago, but it has been recognised by the UNDP now. “The DDS is ahead of times. Growing millets is a solution for climate change. Indian cow milk is being treated as ‘A’ grade category in the world. Drum sticks are being exported for its nutritional values. What the women of DDS are doing is good and it is a permanent solution to many problems,” said Mr. Utkarsh.
Maisanagari Ratnamma, Begari Tuljamma, Nagwar Sunandamma, Yerrolla Kanakamma, Nadimidoddi Anjamma, and Chilkapalli Ansuyamma were felicitated on the occasion.
DDS director P.V. Satheesh explained the work that was undertaken by the women farmers in this area and how they protected the environment.