ICRISAT Empowers Innovative Farmer to Establish Groundnut Crop Cafeteria in Odisha, India
Photo: ICRISAT
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.