Global Recognition for Indian Women Farmers
Bibi Fatima SHG Honoured for Global Leadership in Sustainable Farming: The Bibi Fatima Women’s Self-Help Group (SHG) from Teertha village in Dharwad district, Karnataka, has been awarded the UNDP Equator Prize 2025. Often called the “Nobel Prize for Biodiversity Conservation”, this honour highlights their contribution to eco-friendly farming, millet revival, and women-led entrepreneurship.
Static GK fact: The Equator Prize was first launched in 2002 by the United Nations Development Programme to recognise community-led efforts for environmental sustainability.
About the Equator Prize 2025
The prize is presented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to honour nature-based solutions led by indigenous peoples and local communities.
The 2025 theme was Women and Youth Leadership for Nature-Based Climate Action. This year, 10 winners were chosen globally from countries including Argentina, Brazil, Ecuador, Indonesia, Kenya, Papua New Guinea, Peru, Tanzania, and India.
Static GK fact: The award was announced on 9 August, observed as the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples.
Competitive Scale and Reward
The 2025 competition saw around 700 nominations from 103 countries. Winners received $10,000 (about ₹8.5 lakh) to scale their work in conservation and sustainable livelihoods.
Journey of Bibi Fatima SHG
Formed in 2018 by 15 women, the group began under the mentorship of Sahaja Samruddha, a non-profit working on farmer empowerment.
Key collaborations include:
- Indian Institute of Millets Research (IIMR), Hyderabad for millet-based innovations.
- CROPS4HD for crop diversity and nutrition security.
- Selco Foundation for solar-powered processing units.
- Devadhanya Farmer Producer Company for rural enterprise promotion.
Major Achievements in Sustainability
Eco-friendly farming in rainfed lands
The SHG adopted low-water, chemical-free methods to cultivate climate-resilient crops suited for Karnataka’s semi-arid conditions.
Community seed bank
They established a local seed bank to preserve indigenous varieties, reducing dependency on commercial hybrid seeds.
Static GK Tip: Community seed banks play a key role in agrobiodiversity conservation, a critical factor in achieving UN Sustainable Development Goal 15 (Life on Land).
Millet promotion and processing
With solar-powered machinery from Selco Foundation, the SHG processes millets locally, adding value and creating rural jobs.
Market linkages and rural entrepreneurship
Through Devadhanya FPC, members have secured better prices and expanded their reach to urban organic markets.
Broader Impact on Rural Development
The Bibi Fatima SHG’s work aligns with India’s National Mission on Sustainable Agriculture and global biodiversity targets. It demonstrates how grassroots women leaders can address climate change, enhance food security, and preserve traditional knowledge.
Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table
Bibi Fatima SHG Honoured for Global Leadership in Sustainable Farming:
| Topic | Detail |
| Award Name | UNDP Equator Prize 2025 |
| Awarding Body | United Nations Development Programme |
| Theme 2025 | Women and Youth Leadership for Nature-Based Climate Action |
| Announcement Date | 9 August 2025 |
| Prize Amount | $10,000 (~₹8.5 lakh) |
| Number of Winners | 10 |
| Origin Year of Prize | 2002 |
| Location of SHG | Teertha village, Dharwad district, Karnataka |
| Year of Formation | 2018 |
| Key Collaborators | IIMR Hyderabad, CROPS4HD, Selco Foundation, Devadhanya FPC |
