Women-led community-based rice seed entrepreneurship model in Bangladesh: Status, challenges and opportunities

Abstract

The study assessed the overall status of CBRSEM and the potential benefits accrued from the model. The sample comprised 92 respondents selected from a women-led Community-Based Rice Seed Entrepreneurship Model (CBRSEM) located in Taraganj and Shadullapur upazilas of the Rangpur and Gaibandha districts of Bangladesh, respectively, following a stratified proportionate random sampling technique. Membership in CBRSEM developed their communication skills, social relationships, and decision-making abilities while capacitating them in sowing, harvesting, and threshing. Increased access to quality seeds was ensured through easy availability at the right time in proximity. Increased yield, betterment of livelihood, and empowerment were the leading benefits. The concerns that emerged were high production cost, absence of a moisture meter, and timely roguing. Popular suggestions put forward included means to lessen the cost of agricultural inputs, provision of loans with easy terms and conditions, and training programs.

Keywords:

• rice-seed
• quality
• women
• opportunities
• challenges

Acknowledgments

The authors would like to gratefully recognize the painstaking efforts of the respondents who provided their valuable information to the researchers. The authors would also like to give special thanks to International Rice Research Institution (IRRI), Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Agricultural University (BSMRAU), and Rangpur Dinajpur Rural Service (RDRS) who extended their all-out efforts for the smooth sailing of this research.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

The authors would like to acknowledge IRRI for partial funding of the research expenditures and necessary guidance.

Notes on contributors

  Nuruzzaman

Nuruzzaman MS student having expertize in gender issues in post harvest activities.

Afrad Md Safiul Islam

Md. Safiul Islam Afrad working as Professor with expertise in socio-economic study, gender issue, adoption, impact, and KAP survey.

Md. Enamul Haque

Md. Enamul Haque working as Professor in the areas of agricultural extension, sustainable agriculture, and agricultural.

Ashrafun Nahar

Ashrafun Nahar serving as Associate Professor in efficiency and productivity analysis, government policies on development issues, poverty reduction measures, and food security.

Muhammad Ashraful Habib

Muhammad Ashraful Habib possesses extensive knowledge and experience in seed system and product management, firm trial management, climate change, natural resource management, women-led entrepreneurship, and market system.

Swati Nayak

Swati Nayak working on strengthening seed system and enhance access, adoption and awareness new varieties, germplasm with background on technology transfer, livelihood enhancement and sustainable technology adaptation.

Saidul Islam

Saidul Islam serving in Seed Systems and product management on varietal dissemination and development activities.

Md. Mamunur Rashid

Md. Mamunur Rashid has proven experience and expertise on project/program Planning, Management & Implementation and Fund Raising & Donor Relationship Management.

Amlan Biswas

Amlan Biswas having experience in knowledge and skill in rice-based varietal traits preference.