Pastapur and Zaheerabad, Sangareddy District, Telangana | 5–6 June 2026
SAAPE campaign member- the Deccan Development Society (DDS) organised a two-day programme in Sangareddy District on World Environment day 2026 bringing together women, farmers, scientist, forest officials, and government representatives.
The event highlighted the critical role of women farmers in restoring soil biodiversity and advancing regenerative agriculture, while emphasizing a persistent gap: women who have nurtured the land for decades still lack secure land rights. Women farmers shared experiences of transforming degraded land through biodiversity farming, seed conservation, and large-scale plantation work across 22 villages. Despite issuing tree pattas, ownership of land remains unresolved for many women cultivators.
On the second day, a district level dialogue with Sangareddy Collector focused on millet promotion and women-led enterprises. The Collector expressed support for strengthening millet value chains and improving market access.
Joint Charter of Demands
DDS and its network members – Centre for Sustainable Agriculture (CSA), People’s Institute of Labour and Urban Poverty (PILUPU), People’s Action for Community Empowerment (PEACE), and sister farmers of the Millet Network of India (MINI) presented a five-point agenda calling for:
- Recognise rights to land and soil.
- Shift incentives from chemicals to soil health.
- Back millets and women’s markets Protect forests, seeds, crops, and livelihoods
- Support dignified rural livelihoods
The programme highlighted a contradiction: women play a central role in restoring soil and biodiversity, yet they continue to lack secure land rights, making land justice a core demand of the movement. The event received wide media coverage in Telangana.
Through Makaam (Mahila Kisan Adhikar Manch), the national forum for women farmers’ rights, and SAAPE, these demands will be carried forward across India and the wider South Asia region. Policymakers are urged to engage with these demands in a constructive and supportive manner.