By 
01-12-2024
Fanni Lovas
South East Asia Researcher
Global Human Rights Defence
In the last decade, Nepal has witnessed a significant shift in agricultural leadership, with female-headed households increasing from 19 percent in 2011-2012 to 32.4 percent by 2021-2022, according to the latest agriculture census. This rise, equating to 1.33 million households, highlights the growing involvement of women in the agricultural sector and a marked shift towards female-led farming practices. As men increasingly pursue employment abroad, women have taken on dual roles in farming and household management, reshaping rural economies.
This transformation is exemplified by the establishment of Nepal’s first women-owned rice mill in Chitwan in 2022. Initiated by the Women Small Farmers Agriculture Cooperative Limited (SFACL), the mill arose from the challenges women faced in agriculture, including unstable markets and low prices for their produce. The cooperation, which began in 2004 with 47 members, now boasts 1,835 women members. It provides loans of up to Rs 1.5 million, enabling women to engage in entrepreneurial activities such as beauty parlours, sweater production, and agriculture-focused ventures.
The rice mill was conceptualised to scale operations and address challenges like unfair pricing and limited market access. Farmers and cooperative members reported that the initiative has ensured stable pricing and accessible markets, benefiting the local community. For instance, one farmer who cultivates one bigha of land now earns Rs 150,000 annually from paddy sales. The initiative has provided financial security to many women, enabling them to educate their children and support their families. Currently, the mill processes over 100 sacks of rice daily, supplying products to nearby districts and beyond. Collaborations with initiatives like the programmes like the Primate Minister Agriculture Modernisation Project have further strengthened the local supply chain by providing technical expertise and boosting productivity.
The women-led rice mill not only revitalises local agriculture but empowers marginalised communities. Nearly 75 percent of cooperative members belong to indigenous groups, and 5 percent are Dalits. By ensuring fair practices and fostering entrepreneurship, the initiative is transforming agriculture into a more inclusive and sustainable sector. This pioneering model underscored the transformative power of women’s leadership in driving rural economic growth and addressing food security challenges in Nepal.
Sources and further readings:
Sangam Prasain. (2024, December 1). Nepal’s first women-owned rise mill-as business model developed by women for women. The Kathmandu Post. https://kathmandupost.com/money/2024/12/01/nepal-s-first-women-owned-rice-mill-a-business-model-developed-by-women-for-women. Accessed 1 December 2024.
(2024). Nepal-From Seeds to Success: Empowering Women in Paddy Value Chain. APFP/FO4A/ARISE. https://asiapacificfarmersforum.net/nepal-from-seeds-to-success-empowering-women-in-paddy-value-chain/. Accessed 1 December 2024.
(2022, March 1). Female Agribusiness Owner Sprouts Success for Other Women in Nepal. Feed the Future. https://www.feedthefuture.gov/article/female-agribusiness-owner-sprouts-success-for-other-women-in-nepal/. Accessed 1 December 2024.
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