Women Farmers in Rural Pune Transform Lives Through Cricket Leadership
In a remarkable shift from traditional roles, women farmers in rural Pune are stepping onto the cricket field, transforming a community tournament into a powerful platform for leadership and social change. What began as a simple event to mark the end of the farming season has evolved into a catalyst for empowering women in villages across Bhor and Velhe (now Rajgad) talukas.
From Farm to Field: A New Arena for Women
The farmers' cricket tournament, organized as the finale of the CybageAsha Paddy Cup, has demonstrated how sports can drive significant social transformation. This year, the event saw participation from 35 men's teams and an impressive 40 women's teams, highlighting a gradual but meaningful change in rural dynamics. For many of these women, it was their first experience with organized sport and public competition.
As team captains and players, women took on responsibilities traditionally dominated by men. They planned practice sessions, coordinated teams, resolved on-field disputes, and proudly represented their villages. This visible participation in public spaces marks a departure from their usual confines of household and farm work.
Building Confidence Beyond the Boundary
The impact of this tournament extends far beyond the cricket pitch. Women participants report that the experience has built confidence that translates into other aspects of village life. Swati Zende, captain of a winning women's team, shared her perspective: "Leading a team gives you confidence. People start listening to you not just during the match, but also in village meetings and farming discussions."
While her team secured first place, Zende emphasized that the joy of participation mattered more than any prize. This sentiment reflects a broader cultural shift where women are finding their voices in community decision-making processes.
Changing Attitudes and Social Norms
Initially, some elders and family members expressed hesitation about women playing competitive cricket. However, as the tournament progressed, many became enthusiastic supporters, cheering from the sidelines. Organizers note that this visible support has helped challenge entrenched social norms and sparked important conversations about women's participation in leadership roles.
The cricket tournament serves as the culmination of the Paddy Cup, an annual initiative running from May to December that promotes sustainable and cost-effective paddy cultivation. Ritu Nathani, Head of Cybage Foundation, explained the program's structure: "Farmers work in teams of ten, encouraging peer learning, shared accountability and collective problem-solving. Each group follows 21 structured cultivation steps, combining traditional knowledge with scientific farming practices."
Agricultural Foundation for Sporting Success
The connection between farming and cricket runs deeper than mere scheduling. Farmers report that the teamwork developed during the agricultural season naturally carried over into the cricket tournament, reinforcing trust and collaboration built in the fields. Progress in farming is monitored through WhatsApp groups, enabling continuous guidance from experts and regular knowledge-sharing among participants.
This integrated approach has helped reduce input costs, improve yields, and strengthen cooperation within villages. Sarjerao Kondhalkar, from the Paddy Cup-winning group of Chikhalawade village, noted the tangible benefits: "Our villages are located in remote, hilly areas with limited facilities. However, the right guidance helped participating farmer groups enhance their knowledge and increase income through the programme."
Growing Impact and Recognition
The 2025-26 edition of this annual event saw participation from over 4,500 farmers and their families. Groups are assessed through a transparent scoring system of up to 500 marks, with top-performing teams receiving financial recognition. Nathani emphasized that the cricket tournament is about creating opportunities for communities to come together, learn from one another, and grow collectively.
This innovative model demonstrates how agricultural development programs can incorporate elements of social empowerment, using sports as a vehicle for change. As women farmers in rural Pune continue to break barriers both on and off the field, their journey offers inspiration for similar initiatives across India's rural landscape.
