Promoting inclusivity and accessibility within the rice value chain

Global data shows a persistent gender gap in the rice value chain, despite efforts from various organizations. As a leading research center, IRRI aims to identify strategies that enhance nutrition and yield, particularly for vulnerable groups. In South Asia, women contribute 70% of agricultural labor on smallholder farms. They are at the frontlines dealing with climate change, highlighting the potential to support them to be agents of change by creating enabling conditions to boost their agency. Key activities underscore IRRI's commitment to dismantling barriers to inequality and improving access to resources for marginalized rice farming communities. 

High-quality seeds with low-GI and high-protein values were made accessible through the recently released varieties IRRI 147 and IRRI 162 rice during the annual Krushi Odisha held in January 2024. IRRI’s involvement in the CGIAR Seed Equal Initiative also adds to increasing women's and marginalized farmers' access to seeds of improved, climate-resilient, and market-preferred varieties to improve their agricultural productivity, climate resilience and nutritional security. Hyderabad was the site for a gender-responsive seed information and delivery pathways dialogue held early January 2024.

An opportunity for women to become seed producers through paddy seed production is demonstrated by the achievements of five women-led Farmer Producer Companies (FPCs) in Odisha, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, India. These collectives enable women to access inputs and engage with market actors with higher bargaining power. The FPCs are thriving financially, with farmers who previously focused on traditional paddy cultivation now shifting to seed production.

The Climate Smart Rice-based Systems for Prosperity and Resilience in Odisha (ClimatePRO) Project, a collaboration between IRRI and the Government of Odisha, focused on climate smart rice production through integrated nutrient management (INM), better water management and diversification of systems. Women farmers learned about the significance of bio-inputs for rice and other crops. Dr. Ranjitha Puskur who leads the ClimatePRO Project noted that women in agriculture have become the major players in the sector owing to male outmigration and nurture families and are shaping farming's future. Insights from this initiative will guide future planning to enhance impact and sustainability.

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Additionally, the project encouraged new food product innovations, like rice and millet cookies, using modern techniques. Emphasis was placed on branding and market success strategies through a tripartite agreement involving IRRI, the Department of Agriculture and Farmer’s Empowerment (DAFE), and the Department of Mission Shakti (DMS).