By Ankita Tiwari and Bushra Humaira
Women in South Asia are transforming the landscape of rice farming. They are not just cultivating rice; they are leading a movement, embracing improved varieties, pioneering seed enterprises, and empowering their communities in the face of climate challenges. With the support of IRRI and local partners, they blend traditional wisdom with modern innovations, paving the way for a more resilient and nutrition-rich future. By introducing biofortified rice and advancing drought-adaptive measures, their leadership demonstrates that true agricultural progress flourishes through community-driven solutions.
India
Innovations Through Women-Led Group Initiatives
In India, a key facet to agricultural transformation is the active role of women-led groups in sharing rice varieties. “Crop cafeterias” offer an engaging experience for women farmers, allowing them to compare and select improved rice varieties suited to their local environment. The success stories of Binadhan 11 and Swarna Samriddhi in Puri district showcase the power of this hands-on approach. Through knowledge sharing and community demonstrations, IRRI and the Department of Agriculture and Farmers’ Empowerment (DAFE) of the Government of Odisha ensure that high-yielding, climate-resilient rice varieties reach those most.
Empowering Women in Seed Production and Agribusiness
Women in Odisha are stepping into leadership roles in seed production and agribusiness. Collaborating with local organizations, IRRI is empowering women-led collectives, such as the Agro-Ecology Society in Cuttack and Punitala FPC in Bolangir, with technical training on seed production, quality maintenance, and market access. By facilitating production and nurturing rural women entrepreneurs, IRRI is enhancing the local seed supply chain and fostering community growth.
Promoting Healthier Rice for Better Nutrition
Undernutrition remains a challenge in Odisha, particularly affecting women and children. To tackle this, IRRI and its partners promote biofortified rice varieties rich in zinc and protein. Large-scale demonstrations in districts like Bhadrak, Mayurbhanj, Ganjam, and Bolangir are complemented by awareness campaigns led by women’s groups. These efforts ensure that biofortified rice becomes a staple, combating hidden hunger and opening market opportunities for growers.
Building Climate Resilience Among Women Farmers
Climate change seriously threatens rice farming, especially for resource-poor women in drought-prone areas. Together with the Department of Agriculture and Farmers’ Empowerment, IRRI aids women farmers in employing adaptive strategies. These include cultivating drought-tolerant rice varieties and diversifying their livelihoods. Villages in Bolangir, Kalahandi, Koraput, and Mayurbhanj are already reaping the benefits, experiencing improved crop resilience and productivity that act as a safety net for vulnerable households.
Bangladesh
In Bangladesh, women represent 58% of the agricultural workforce, contributing over 18.4 million individuals to the food system (BBS, Labour Force Survey, 2022). As men seek opportunities in urban areas, many women embrace agriculture as their pathway to livelihood. Despite facing challenges such as limited access to land, financial resources, and essential training, these resilient women are determined to overcome cultural barriers that hinder their leadership and entrepreneurial ambitions. Climate change and a lack of sustainable solutions may pose additional difficulties, but they stand strong in their agricultural pursuits.
With support from HSBC and IRRI, women farmers in the Haor Region are transforming their practices through the Climate Smart Rice Value Chain initiative. They are adopting improved rice varieties, utilizing advanced pesticides, and harnessing machinery to elevate their farming activities.
Receiving specialized training in advanced rice cultivation techniques, including innovative irrigation practices like Alternative Wetting and Drying (AWD) and pest management, these women are enhancing their skills and productivity.
Establishing Crop Clinics
To ensure accessible agricultural support, the project has established crop clinics in five model villages, offering vital information and consultations for women on managing major rice pests and diseases. Collaborating with the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE), a block supervisor visits the villages weekly, driven by farmers contributing to a joint fund for communication expenses. These crop clinics are pivotal knowledge-sharing hubs, connecting IRRI’s expertise with the broader farming community.
Advancing Agricultural Mechanization
The Climate Smart Rice Value Chain project champions agricultural mechanization, empowering women farmers to boost efficiency and lessen labor intensity. They now utilize power tillers, sprayers, and weeders to streamline their work. Insights into agricultural machinery development were gained during visits to Alim Industries Ltd., while hands-on field training sessions enhance their operational skills.
To ensure sustainability in mechanization, the project selects Local Service Providers (LSPs) from within the farmers’ groups. Trained by Alim Industries, these LSPs guarantee that women farmers continuously access knowledge and resources. The nearby workshop in the Sylhet Region facilitates prompt technical support and maintenance services.
Building a Sustainable Future for Women Farmers
Through the Climate Smart Rice Value Chain project, agricultural productivity will increase as women in the Hajong community embrace leadership roles in farming. By providing access to quality seeds, training, crop clinics, and mechanization, the project empowers these women with the skills and resources vital for enduring success. In Sunamganj, women farmers are not merely cultivating rice; they are cultivating resilience, economic independence, and stronger voices in their communities.
A Future Shaped by Women’s Leadership
These initiatives exemplify the transformative power of women-led agriculture. Through participatory learning and a commitment to community-driven approaches, women farmers in Odisha are not just beneficiaries but the architects of significant change. With unwavering support from IRRI and its partners, their efforts enhance food security, economic empowerment, and climate resilience.
IRRI reaffirms its dedication to sustainable rice-based food systems by prioritizing women in agricultural innovation. As these trailblazing women shape the future of rice farming, they stand as an inspiring model for agricultural development—inclusive, resilient, and grounded in local leadership.
