Greater Food Security for women farmers in India

Change is Taking Root

“The weather is changing, and not in a good way. However, with education and hard work, we are overcoming these challenges and making our lives better.” - Kamla

When we visited the villages of Nawada this time, these words from Kamla stayed with us. They echoed through every greenhouse, every conversation, and every hopeful face we met. They remind us that real change comes through persistence, learning, and the courage to act.

In our last report, Preeti’s story of standing proudly in her small greenhouse and holding freshly grown cucumbers, was not just a photo moment; it was also a reflection of transformation taking root. This captured the heart of our journey so far and reminded us why this work matters.

In today’s report, we are delighted to introduce two more remarkable women whose journeys also represent the spirit of climate-resilient farming: Kamla and Mangla.Their determination and courage are already inspiring change in their communities, and we cannot wait to share their experiences with you later in this report.

Harvesting Hope: The Second Crop Cycle

The past three months have marked an important turning point for another 40 women farmers who recently harvested their second crop in climate-smart greenhouses. What once felt uncertain to them is now increasingly becoming a story of confidence and success.

During this period, their seed germination rates for cucumbers, coriander and spinach improved significantly, reaching 85–90% growth of fruit bearing plants. For tomato and capsicum this success rate was even higher. Each farmer harvested an average of 700 kilograms of produce, an amazing leap from their first attempts.

What’s more heartening is that the women are now supporting each other by sharing knowledge, celebrating small victories, and solving problems collectively. With each passing season, they are proving that their knowledge, their collaboration, and their resilience is turning uncertainty into growth.

Planting New Dreams: The Third Crop Cycle

Encouraged by the success of their previous efforts, these women have used their renewed confidence and knowledge to plan how to grow their next crop. This time, their conversations were filled with ideas, laughter, and lessons learned from earlier attempts.

Together with our friends at Pradan, who work with these women on ground every day, the women have selected crops that are better suited for growth inside their greenhouses. When making these decisions, the women have also learned that there will be a high market demand for these crops, hence the likelihood of receiving better incomes for their harvests.

By reaffirming more of the education and training for these women, they sharpened their sustainable, climate resilient farming skills. They know now how to sow their seeds and saplings in raised beds and furrows. This further helps protect the young plants, while also improving soil health, and safeguarding against pests using homemade bio-organic pesticides.

It was reassuring to see Kamla and Mangla stand out this season, by applying what they have learnt during their training sessions. Kamla protected 346 cauliflower plants from pests, insects, and excessive water, using drainage channels and careful pest control.

Mangla managed 428 cauliflower plants in her greenhouse, combining organic and chemical treatments, removing damaged leaves, and maintaining airflow within the greenhouse. Their efforts turned early setbacks into thriving crops, showing how knowledge and persistence yields powerful results.

Standing Strong Through the Storm

During this period, many women also encountered pest outbreaks triggered by excess moisture and humidity, caused by some of the heaviest rainfall they have witnessed in over a decade. For many, this could have been a season of loss, however for these women, it became a test of resilience through knowledge and having the confidence of knowing what to do.

Kamla and Mangla’s appropriate drainage management, pest control using bio-organic elements, and close monitoring methods, like those of the other women, ensured that their crops survived as well as flourished. Their success made us confident that women farmers now have the tools and confidence to face unpredictable weather head-on.

Growing the Circle of Change

Looking ahead, what began with another 40 women is now spreading across other villages. Word of their success is travelling from one community to another, sparking curiosity and courage.

Building on this momentum, 85 more women farmers from other villages have also joined these efforts and attended their introductory meeting for using the climate-smart greenhouses.

At the same time, we are working on helping to establish Farmer-Producer Organizations, which will enable these women to sell collectively, secure better prices, and amplify their voices. The progress of Kamla, Mangla, and other similar women farmers is inspiring many others to step forward and be a part of this change while also benefiting from it.

You Made This Possible

Every thriving greenhouse, every confident woman, and every resilient crop is the result of your continued support. You have helped transform uncertainty and vulnerability into their strength and thriving fields.

From all of us at Sophia Akash Foundation, thank you for being part of this journey. We look forward to continuing our partnership of hope and growth - one woman, one greenhouse, and one harvest at a time.