In a groundbreaking initiative to empower women in agriculture, the FICCI Ladies Organisation (FLO) Hyderabad has launched a ‘Centre of Excellence for Training Women in Vegetable Farming’ at Ravalkole Village, Medchal District. This initiative, in collaboration with the East-West Seed Knowledge Transfer Foundation, aims to train 100 women farmers in commercial vegetable farming. An MoU was signed between FLO Hyderabad and the East-West Seed Foundation to formalize this partnership.
Over the next three crop seasons, the Centre of Excellence will provide comprehensive training to these women in cultivating, managing, and harvesting nearly 50 hybrid varieties of vegetables and greens, including Bitter gourd, Chilli, Cauliflower, Cabbage, Ridge gourd, Bottle gourd, Cucumber, Pumpkin, Red Sorrel, Okra, and Onion. The goal is to equip these women with the skills necessary for efficient, profitable, and sustainable farming.
These farmers will not only gain expertise in advanced agricultural techniques but will also be empowered to become trainers themselves. This will enable them to pass on their knowledge and skills, fostering a cycle of self-sufficiency and community resilience. The training will cover crop diversity enhancement, productivity improvement, and water efficiency, promoting sustainable farming practices that benefit both the environment and the agricultural sector.
In addition to agricultural training, FLO will focus on developing entrepreneurial skills among the women farmers. They will receive digital and financial literacy training, equipping them with the tools needed to manage and grow their agricultural ventures. This holistic approach aims to empower these women to take control of their financial futures and build sustainable businesses.
Health and nutrition advice, along with regular health checks, will also be provided to ensure the well-being of the farmers and their families, particularly the female members. This aspect of the initiative underscores the importance of health in achieving overall quality of life improvements.
Agriculture is the backbone of India, playing a crucial role in food security and economic growth. By introducing better farming techniques, this initiative aims to enhance productivity, ensure sustainability, and improve the quality of life for women farmers. The year-long agriculture initiative, realized through scientific collaboration with East-West Seed Knowledge Transfer Foundation, marks a significant step towards building capacities of women at the grassroots level.
“Resilient Roots, our Agriculture Initiative for 2024-25, aligns perfectly with FLO's mission of 'The Power to Empower.’ By empowering women in agriculture, we are creating avenues for financial agency and addressing gender disparity, fostering inclusive growth and development. Grassroots social impact initiatives transform individual lives and contribute to broader socio-economic development,” said Priya Gazdar, Chairperson of FLO Hyderabad.
She added, “We are delighted to collaborate with Dutch MNC East-West Seed for this initiative. Since 2016, East-West Seed Knowledge Transfer Foundation has trained over 80,000 smallholder farmers across India in advanced vegetable techniques. Launching their Telangana program through FLO Hyderabad is our privilege.”
Priya Gazdar envisions the Centre of Excellence as more than just a training facility, but as a beacon of hope, a gateway of opportunity, and a pillar of progress. It stands as a testament to what can be achieved through collaborative efforts aimed at inclusivity and empowerment.
This initiative has been fully sponsored by VisionTek, ensuring that these women receive the support and resources they need to thrive in agriculture. Through this innovative program, FLO Hyderabad is planting the seeds for a brighter, more equitable future in farming.