In parts of South Asia, women are taking the lead in agriculture transformation

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.