ICRISAT Empowers Innovative Farmer to Establish Groundnut Crop Cafeteria in Odisha, India
(233).png)
Figure: Ms Rajeswari Majhi receiving training at ICRISAT.
ICRISAT News
Ms Rajeswari Majhi, 29, has allotted one hectare of her land for planting a seed varietal cafeteria after receiving training at ICRISAT. She and a co-trainee plan to identify the best varieties for the area and increase production on a larger patch in the next season.
Rajeswari a groundnut farmer from the Raygada district of Odisha, is the sole earner for her family. Determined to overcome the challenges posed by traditional methods of production and access to seeds, Rajeshwari has been seeking ways to make farming climate-resilient and profitable.
Despite discontinuing school, she is quick to adopt innovations that drive the entrepreneur in her. She joined a local self-help group and is alert to avenues that can enhance her income.
Through the self-help group, she was introduced to scientists from the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT,) who are closely working with Odisha Livelihood Mission (OLM) towards improving seed security in the community through a sustainable seed business model.
At an ICRISAT training session, Rajeswari gained knowledge of good seeds, treating seeds for disease control, land preparation, and other techniques, and executed the learnings effectively in her own field.
After extensive training on quality seed production and post-harvest management technology of groundnut at ICRISAT headquarters in November 2022, she has also established a ‘varietal cafeteria’ for the comparison of new varieties of groundnut in Raygada District. Her crop cafeteria has ten varieties of groundnut, including Girnar 4 and Girnar5.
She firmly believes that she can make her seed business profitable by maintaining the quality of seeds that suit local conditions and selling them in her self-help group networks. Rajeshwari is also planning to establish a well-equipped seed processing unit in her village.
Director General of ICRISAT, Dr Jacqueline Hughes commended Rajeswari and many women such as her on International Women's Day for their vision and tenacity.
Deputy Director General, Research at ICRISAT, Dr Arvind Kumar said that International Women’s Day was a chance to honour the often unrecognized work of women in growing and harvesting food that sustains many communities.
Dr Sean Mayes, Global Research Director - Accelerated Crop Improvement program at ICRISAT, praised the efforts and dedication of women such as Rajeswari who are working towards expanding seed production in their communities.
Views: 445