On the 11th October 2025, another chapter of community-led agricultural development has begun in two villages Falai and Bashti, Rudraprayag, with the establishment of an Agriculture Tool Bank under the Integrated Village Development (IVD) Project. The initiative aims to improve farm productivity and reduce drudgery, especially for women farmers, by ensuring access to essential agricultural tools and equipment.

What makes this initiative truly inspiring is that the Tool Bank will be managed and operated by Self-Help Groups (SHG) in both villages. The SHG members have taken the lead in organising, maintaining, and providing tools on a rotational and rental basis to small and marginal farmers in the village. This community-led management model not only promotes collective ownership and accountability but also creates a new livelihood opportunity for women.

During the inauguration event, community members, SHG representatives & representative from local governance (Gram Pradhan) came together to celebrate this milestone. Demonstrations of agricultural implements such as Power Tiller, Sickels, Horrow, Plough Blead, Grass Cutter, small tools and threshers were conducted, showcasing how these tools can ease manual labour and increase efficiency in farming operations.

Speaking on the occasion, SHG leader Chitra Devi from Basti Village shared that, “Earlier, we used to depend on others or travel long distances to borrow tools. Now, with our own Tool Bank, farming will become easier, and we can save both time and money. Managing this as a group gives us a sense of pride and independence.”

Rekha Devi, President of Farmers Interest Group (FIG) from Falai village, shared, “In our village, most farm activities are carried out solely by us, and we lack both the facilities and the financial means to purchase tools that could ease our work in this challenging terrain. Now, with the establishment of the Agricultural Tool Bank, we feel a renewed sense of hope, knowing that it will simplify our work and help boost our farm productivity.

The Tool Bank is expected to benefit more than 70 and 95 farming households in and around Bashti and Falai village respectivelys. Along with tool access, SHG members will also receive training on maintenance, record-keeping, and sustainable usage practices to ensure long-term functioning.

This initiative marks an important step toward strengthening local institutions and empowering rural women as key drivers of agricultural and economic transformation in mountain communities.