SEA and Solidaridad propose measures to support women farmers

The Solvent Extractors’ Association of India (SEA), in collaboration with Solidaridad, has prepared four recommendations aimed at expanding women farmers' access to formal markets, increasing their incomes, and enhancing financial inclusiveness in vegetable oil value chains. These proposals were developed during a multi-stakeholder dialogue and consultations in Bhopal focused on building gender-inclusive regenerative chains.

The first measure provides for the introduction of targeted procurement benchmarks for agricultural produce directly from women farmers, which will help them enter organized markets and corporate supply chains. The second recommendation concerns the use of preferential pricing mechanisms or premiums for produce supplied by women in recognition of their contribution to sustainable agriculture. The third proposal is aimed at developing payment schemes that promote women's financial independence and control over their earnings, including joint bank accounts with informed consent and direct payments. The fourth measure calls on companies to channel at least 10 percent of their corporate social responsibility budgets toward integrating women farmers into supply chains through training, technology development, and market linkages.

SEA Executive Director BV Mehta noted the significant contribution of women to the agricultural sector and vegetable oil supply chains and emphasized the need for this to be reflected in economic life. Solidaridad Managing Director Suresh Motwani pointed out the importance of removing structural barriers that limit women's economic participation. Solidaridad Deputy Managing Director Neha added that recognizing women as farmers regardless of land ownership improves their access to institutional support.