In the remote lanes of Teertha village in Dharwad, Karnataka, 15 determined women have shown how climate action can begin at the grassroots. Their pioneering efforts in sustainable farming and millet revival have not only transformed their community but also earned them global recognition.
The Bibi Fatima Women’s Self-Help Group (SHG) from Kundgol taluk has been named one of the 10 winners of the Equator Initiative Award 2025 by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). This prestigious award celebrates their innovative, community-driven solutions to combat climate change and food insecurity.
Women & Youth Leadership for Climate Action
This year, the Equator Prize focused on the theme — “Women and Youth Leadership for Nature-Based Climate Action.” Out of 700 entries from 103 countries, the women of Teertha stood out for their sustainable farming practices, millet revival initiatives, and commitment to food and nutritional security.
Millet Revivalists of Dharwad
Back in 2018, 15 women united with a vision: to revive traditional farming practices, restore nutrition, and secure livelihoods in their drought-prone region. Their answer lay in an ancient, climate-resilient crop — millets.
Their key achievements:
Revived millet-based mixed cropping systems in nearly 30 villages using natural farming.
Established community seed banks to preserve indigenous crop varieties.
Combined millet farming with livestock rearing and horticulture for diversified incomes.
Reintroduced millets into local diets, improving food and nutrition security.
Powered by Women, Driven by Purpose
Processing their harvest was once a challenge. But instead of giving up, the SHG — with support from partner organisations — set up a women-run millet processing unit. This step allowed them to add value to their produce, create market-ready millet products, and boost their earnings.
Their success soon inspired neighbouring villages, sparking a ripple effect of climate-resilient agriculture across the region.
Beyond Farming: A Model for Sustainability
From eco-friendly cultivation in rainfed fields to marketing value-added millet products, the Bibi Fatima SHG has built a model where environmental sustainability and economic empowerment go hand in hand.
Their efforts have not only improved livelihoods but also revived pride in traditional crops, showing that heritage-based solutions can answer modern climate challenges.
A Global Lesson from a Small Village
The recognition of the Bibi Fatima SHG by the UNDP serves as a powerful message for rural communities across India: with vision, unity, and determination, even a small village can make a global impact.
Their journey proves that women-led sustainable farming is not just about survival, but about resilience, empowerment, and hope for a climate-secure future.