Farming is providing succour to women convicts in the Yerawada Central Prison’s women’s open jail, which is one-of-its-kind in the country.
Farming is providing succour to women convicts in the Yerawada Central Prison’s women’s open jail, which is one-of-its-kind in the country.
In an experiment that began on June 28 last, a total of 43 women convicts are currently engaged in this farming activity. The farming activity has provided a sense of mental balance and self-esteem to the women convicts, who have undergone a good deal of mental trauma.
Working on a 17-acre plot called Sai Bagh, adjacent to the jail, the women work from 8.30 am to 3.30 pm every day, except Sunday to produce vegetables and rice.
Assistant agriculture officer, Sudhir Garde, who is attached to the women’s open jail, told DNA on Saturday that it was a challenge to work with these women.
“The land allotted was like a jungle. However, last monsoon we turned things around and harvested three tonnes of rice.”
According to Garde, the women’s interest in farming has increased over the months. “The women now grow leafy vegetables, brinjals, Kashmiri saag, spinach, beans, cabbages, cauliflower and tomatoes.” Jail superintendent, Sharad Khatavkar, said that the women are given a daily wage of Rs40.
“We train our women prisoners in candle-making and printing to help them start a new life after they are released from jail. At the time of release, the women are given their accumulated daily wages and an additional amount of Rs5,000 as a reformation allowance,” Khatavkar said.
During DNA’s visit to the open jail on Saturday, the women convicts expressed happiness in their tryst with farming.
Kamal (35), who has been sentenced for life for killing her baby, said, “I was deserted by my family for seven years. Nobody came to see me. Today, as I am working on the farm, my father comes to see me. Working on the farm has rekindled my childhood memories.”
Savita, 25, another convict, who has been sentenced for killing her husband, said, “I was illiterate, but today I have completed my primary education in jail and can write my name and sign papers. The fresh air at the farm is also helping me to stay positive.”
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