Women networks in India- a potential pathway for sustainable seed production and dissemination of climate resilient crop varieties

Introduction The modern breeding technologies have led to developing a number of crop varieties in India, however, there has been continuous challenge for the farmers and particularly women to access the seeds of the improved and climate resilient varieties. Dissemination of quality seeds of improved varieties can potentially enhance productivity, food security and livelihoods, while fostering resilience to environmental challenges. The study was intended to evaluate the role of women collectives called self-help groups (SHGs) for increasing the access to quality seeds of climate resilient varieties of rice and wheat, and measure agricultural production outcomes. Methods Exploiting the potential of women-led SHGs as an alternative seed production and distribution pathway, a randomised experiment was conducted to assess the role of SHGs for scaling the adoption of improved varieties. To assess the outcomes on seed access, supply and dissemination, and their implications on socio-economic well-being, data was collected through baseline, midline, and endline surveys conducted in four districts across Indo-Gangetic plains in India. Results and discussion The results demonstrate that SHG households adopted seeds of improved crop varieties at significantly higher rates than non-SHG households, with adoption increasing from about 15% at baseline to nearly 50% by endline among SHG households. Considerably, higher percentage of SHG farmers sourced seed through community seed enterprises associated with the SHGs, leading to a decrease in the seed costs and dependence on agri-input dealers for seed purchase. The magnitude of seed production and supply was significantly higher in villages where SHGs participated in seed production, recording more than a 200% increase in seed output over the study period compared to control villages. Consequently, SHG households that produced seeds and adopted improved varieties achieved substantially higher agricultural productivity, with rice and wheat yields increasing by approximately 28% and 25%, respectively, relative to control households. The collective approach for seed entrepreneurship enhanced the economic status of SHGs and their members in addition to ensuring the sustainability and scalability of seed production business. Besides, the SHG-based models can serve as a scalable and sustainable solution for addressing systemic challenges in seed systems, fostering inclusive agricultural development, and advancing gender equity in rural economies.