Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], March 11: In a pioneering move towards gender equality in agriculture, East-West Seed India celebrated International Women’s Day in a way that truly made a difference—by recognizing and empowering the women who play a crucial role in vegetable seed production. This year, instead of a traditional celebration, female employees of East-West Seed India dedicated the day to female seed production growers, recognizing their invaluable contributions to the industry. Together with 50 women growers, the team redirected their celebration budget to purchase meaningful gifts. They spent the day engaging with them—listening to their challenges, sharing experiences, and standing in solidarity. Their decision to stand in solidarity with women in agriculture highlights the company’s commitment to meaningful change.
Agriculture in India has traditionally been male-dominated, yet women contribute nearly 60% of the labor in seed production. Despite their significant role, financial contracts and payments have historically been made in men’s names.
East-West Seed India launched an empowerment initiative to address this imbalance and ensure that contracts are in female growers’ names. This shift has led to direct payments to women, fostering financial independence and a rise in female participation in seed production from 3% to 27% in 2024, with a target of 50% by 2026.
“True empowerment is about action. Through this initiative, we are ensuring that women farmers are not just beneficiaries but transform into active decision-makers in agriculture. We are bridging the gap between potential and prosperity, making agriculture a space where women thrive, innovate, and lead,” said G C Shivakumar, Country General Manager, East-West Seed India.
As the agricultural sector evolves, breaking barriers begins with small yet powerful steps. This Women’s Day celebration is a testament to the impact of bold and thoughtful actions that empower women and reshape the industry.
East-West Seed India has consistently demonstrated leadership in sustainability and innovation. A reputed industry platform awarded the company ‘The Best Vegetable Seed Company’. At the 6th BW Emerging Business Awards, East-West Seed India received the “Most Innovative Enterprise of the Year Award.” In addition, East-West Seed India has been recognized as a Great Place to Work in 2024, reflecting its ongoing dedication to fostering a positive and impactful workplace culture.
East-West Seed is a global leader in the tropical vegetable seeds market with four and a half decades of experience in breeding, producing, and delivering high-quality vegetable seeds. Founded by Dr. Simon Groot, winner of the World Food Prize 2019, East-West Seed is ranked #1 in the 2022 Global Access to Seed Index, South and Southeast Asia. which recognizes the commitment and performance in providing the World’s smallholder farmers access to quality seeds. In 2020, it ranked #28 in Fortune’s Change the World list of companies that are doing well by doing good.
East-West Seed has its headquarters in Nonthaburi, Thailand. The company employs about 3500 employees and has 17 R&D establishments in 7 countries. With exports to over 60 countries in tropical areas, East-West Seed serves nearly 23 million farmers around the world.
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Siddharth Mehta
