The IRRI South Asia Regional Centre (ISARC), in collaboration with the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), is organizing a four-day training program focused on empowering women farmers in Uttar Pradesh through capacity building in Kalanamak rice-based value-added products and micro-entrepreneurship. Held from March 18-21, 2025, at ISARC, Varanasi, this initiative aims to equip women farmers with the knowledge and skills needed to transform Kalanamak rice—a traditional, aromatic, and nutritionally rich heritage variety—into profitable value-added products, thereby enhancing their economic opportunities.
Despite the increasing demand for Kalanamak rice, women farmers often face barriers such as limited processing knowledge, restricted market access, and insufficient entrepreneurial skills. This training seeks to bridge these gaps through hands-on demonstrations, expert-led lectures, and mentorship in product development, branding, and business strategies. Participants will learn to develop value-added products such as cookies and rice flakes while gaining insights into quality standards and sustainable business models.
The program aligns with the One District One Product (ODOP) initiative, promoting rural economic growth and fostering women’s entrepreneurship. Experts from IRRI, Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD), ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute (NDRI), and the Indian Institute of Packaging (IIP) will lead specialized sessions on best practices in Kalanamak rice cultivation, processing, product development, and business opportunities.
The training program commenced with a formal opening ceremony at ISARC, bringing together esteemed dignitaries, scientists, and women farmers from across Uttar Pradesh. The event began with a traditional lamp-lighting ceremony, symbolizing the illumination of knowledge and empowerment.
Dr. Sudhanshu Singh, Director of ISARC, delivered the welcome address, underscoring the transformative potential of value addition and entrepreneurship in strengthening the livelihoods of women farmers. He stated, "Empowering women in agriculture is not just about enhancing productivity; it is about creating sustainable, market-driven rural enterprises. With growing consumer demand for traditional, organic, and high-quality local products like Kalanamak rice, now is the opportune moment to harness this potential and establish successful agribusiness ventures."
Guest of Honour, Dr. Haritha Bollinedi, Senior Scientist at IARI, highlighted the importance of Kalanamak rice in sustainable agriculture and emphasized the role of capacity development in bridging knowledge gaps. She remarked, "Women farmers are the backbone of agricultural communities, yet they often lack access to critical knowledge and resources. This training will provide them with the necessary technical skills and market insights to turn challenges into opportunities, fostering a new wave of women-led rural enterprises."
Participants were encouraged to actively engage in the sessions, leverage technical expertise, and explore market opportunities for Kalanamak-based products. The inaugural session set a positive tone for the program, reinforcing a shared commitment to strengthening women’s role in agribusiness and rural development.
The training features interactive discussions, live demonstrations, success story sharing, and exposure visits to relevant facilities at ISARC to ensure practical learning and long-term impact. By equipping women farmers with essential technical expertise and entrepreneurial skills, this initiative aims to establish sustainable rural enterprises while preserving the cultural and economic significance of Kalanamak rice in Uttar Pradesh.
