From adversity to achievement: Supriya Das pioneers mechanized seeding and women’s empowerment in Odisha

by Bidhan Mohapatra, Ashok Kumar, and Virender Kumar

Mrs. Supriya Das, a 49-year-old woman farmer from Bada Gumula village in Ganjam district, Odisha, has set a remarkable example of innovation and empowerment in agriculture. With the support of the IRRI and Government of Odisha Direct-Seeded Rice in Odisha (IRRI-GoO-DSR-Odisha) Project, she is revolutionizing the way her village approaches farming by championing mechanized seeding of rice and sequential crops layered with potential varieties/hybrids and tailored agronomy, and also scaling the innovations. In addition to agriculture, Supriya also leads women’s empowerment through socio-political interventions.

A journey of strength

Strength and determination are in the background of Supriya’s story. The loss of her husband, Mr. Laxman Das, in 2020, was a challenging moment in her life, but rather than stepping back, she preferred to carry forward the legacy of her husband’s passion for agriculture. With over 20 years of farming experience, she stayed committed to her family and motherland. Her two well-educated sons, one with an MBA and the other with B.Tech inspired by their mother’s resilience and dedication are also now actively supporting farming.

For Supriya, agriculture is more than just an occupation; it is her way of life and a matter of great satisfaction and pride. About 75% of her family’s income comes from farming, and she skilfully manages 20 acres during the Kharif season 2024 and 16 acres during Rabi 2023-24, growing crops like rice, vegetables, green gram, and other pulses. Her expertise extends beyond traditional farming practices, as she is also involved in integrated farming, including livestock, pisciculture, poultry, and vermicomposting.