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From
Scaling for Impact Program
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Published on
09.10.25
By Kaniz Tamanna, Zakaria Hasan and Bharathi Parupalli, CIMMYT
Shorifa Khatun (38) has overcome societal constraints to become a flourishing seedling entrepreneur in Shailkupa Upazila, Jhenaidah District, Bangladesh. Her entrepreneurial success story was enabled by the Cereal Systems Initiative for South Asia-Mechanization Extension Activity (CSISA-MEA), an initiative working on the empowerment of women in the nation’s agricultural landscape.
In 2021, Shorifa received training from CSISA-MEA on women entrepreneurship for rice seedling raising on trays or polythene sheets. This training not only equipped her with the necessary skills but also ignited her entrepreneurial spirit.
Recognizing the potential for a women-friendly business that could be managed alongside her household responsibilities, Shorifa began raising rice seedlings on her rooftop. With the support of her husband, Mitul Hossain, a machinery solution provider (MSP) affiliated with CSISA-MEA, she obtained 3,000 trays from the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) as a subsidy.
Utilizing the knowledge gained from her training, Shorifa meticulously prepared 2,500 trays to support different rice seasons. By leveraging her husband’s two rice transplanters, she reduced expenses and supported both her business and his enterprise.
Shorifa’s hard work and dedication paid off handsomely. In the last agriculture year, she sold rice seedlings worth US$1400 benefiting 30-35 farmers. These seedlings covered approximately 10 hectares of land.
“When I started this work, some doubted if a housewife could run an independent business. But my acceptance and success have proven that women can pursue dreams and uplift our families while embracing our household obligations,” Shorifa proudly shares.
Inspired by her achievements, Shorifa now plans to engage more women in her business, creating a ripple effect of empowerment and economic independence within her community.
Shorifa Khatun’s journey symbolizes CIMMYT and CSISA-MEA’s efforts to empower rural women in agriculture, inspiring others to break barriers and achieve financial independence.
