Bhubaneswar, Odisha, 1 December 2024 - Decentralized, farmer-led seed systems are vital for improving smallholder farmers' access to quality seeds. Recognizing this, the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), under the CGIAR's SeedEqual Initiative and ClimatePRO project, is promoting women-led Farmer Producer Companies (FPCs) to spearhead quality seed production.

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Despite their critical role in rice systems, women face significant barriers, including limited access to resources, technology, land, and capital. By fostering women's entrepreneurship in seed production, these challenges can be addressed, enabling women to transition from laborers to decision-makers and business owners.

Aligned with Work Package 6 (WP6) of the CGIAR's SeedEqual Initiative, IRRI is testing various capacity-building approaches and business models to develop decentralized seed systems. Similarly, IRRI's ClimatePRO project in Odisha focuses on improving farmers' access to high-yielding, climate-resilient seed varieties, enhancing productivity and profitability.

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On 1 December 2024, IRRI hosted a Reflection and Learning Workshop on "Strengthening Women-Led Seed Entrepreneurship." The workshop aimed to share findings from a study involving six FPCs across Odisha, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh, assessing pathways for successful women-led seed entrepreneurship; identify challenges faced by FPCs and develop actionable solutions; and facilitate the exchange of best practices to strengthen women-led seed enterprises. Participants included women seed producers, FPC Board members, NGO partners, and external experts.

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Dr. Ranjitha Puskur, Principal Scientist for Gender and Livelihoods at IRRI and Lead of WP6 of the CGIAR SeedEqual Initiative, presented key findings. She noted, "This study highlights both the successes and challenges of women-led FPCs. Our goal is to learn from shared experiences and identify practical solutions to enhance their operations."

Workshop sessions delved into challenges such as business and financial skills, packaging, branding, governance, and infrastructure. Participants collaboratively identified solutions to these obstacles, drawing from their experiences and expertise.

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IRRI's Director General, Dr. Yvonne Pinto, addressed the gathering, emphasizing the transformative potential of women entrepreneurs. She stated, "Women's participation in the seed business is a powerful tool for economic empowerment. By owning and managing enterprises, women gain financial independence, decision-making authority, and influence over local economies. This can significantly enhance access to education, healthcare, and other essential services for their families and communities."

Workshops like this provide invaluable opportunities for stakeholders-including women farmers, civil society organizations, and researchers-to collaborate, share insights, and design practical solutions. They amplify women farmers' voices while granting access to expert knowledge and support.

For further information, please contact:
Dr. Ranjitha Puskur
Principal Scientist, Project Leader
[email protected]

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