The World Bank has commended the JOHAR Project being implemented in Jharkhand, describing it as a transformative initiative for the rural economy.
Operated by the Jharkhand State Livelihood Promotion Society (JSLPS) under the Rural Development Department, the project has seen remarkable success.
In just four years, 21 women-led Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) have collectively achieved a turnover of $21 million.
Among those acknowledged is Asha Devi, head of a producer group in Kanke, Ranchi, along with thousands of other women whose efforts are reshaping rural livelihoods.
Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren shared the World Bank’s post about the JOHAR Project on X (formerly Twitter), stating, “The women of Jharkhand are progressing with strength and confidence. As a son and brother, I will always stand by you all.”
The World Bank also highlighted in its message: “We now grasp the complete picture of our businesses — from profits to market dynamics. We’ve learnt to negotiate and understand our worth. Meet Asha Devi, President of the Kanke Producer Group under #JOHAR — one of many women revolutionising rural Jharkhand.”
JOHAR stands for Jharkhand Opportunities for Harnessing Rural Growth. The project, active from May 2017 to June 2024, was primarily funded through a 70% loan from the World Bank and a 30% contribution from the state government.
According to JSLPS, the initiative has supported 3,500 producer groups involved in agriculture, livestock, fisheries, and forest-based activities across 68 blocks in 17 districts.
It has boosted the incomes of nearly two lakh rural households. Through the formation of 3,922 producer groups involving 2.24 lakh producers, and by training around 17,000 community support workers, the project has helped women become financially self-reliant.
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