Goa, Nov. 6 -- For over 40 years, women like Pratiksha Velip, Prashanti Velip, and Chandravati Velip, all belonging to the Scheduled Tribe (ST) community, have been growing different varieties of yams such as Zad Kanga, Kat Kanga, and sweet potatoes.

Every June, with the arrival of the monsoon, the women begin planting on leased or borrowed plots of land, using their own limited resources. By November, they harvest their produce, which is then sold along roadsides and in local markets. Despite their commitment, the farmers say they have received no financial assistance, subsidies, or planting material from any government agency.

"We have been doing this for many years, growing yams without any government support. We pick them with our h...