“Our seed bank is called Thirtha. In Hindi, this means ‘sacred place’—a crossroads between different worlds. That is exactly what Thirtha is for us. It is where we keep our treasures: our ancestral knowledge and our local seeds. At the same time, the seed bank brings together women smallholders from across the region. I live with my family in the southern Indian state of Karnataka. For many women here, Thirtha is a gathering place, a space for exchange and mutual support.
Old varieties are particularly important to us—especially millet. In my fields, I grow finger, proso, barnyard, and browntop millet. This ancient crop is more valuable today than ever. It requires little water, thrives even in poor soils, and withstands the heat better than many other grains. In times of climate change, millet gives us security. It protects our food supply and our autonomy.
Sri Kolari
Name: Bibi Jan
Age: 41
Location: Teerth, Karnataka, India
Marital status: Married, two children
My wish for the Year of the Woman Farmer:
My wish is for women to be recognized as leaders and decision-makers—not just as helpers in agriculture.
Outstanding in agroecology
Millet also plays a central role in our women’s group, Bibi Fatima. We came together eight years ago with a clear goal: to strengthen the livelihoods of farming families using agroecological methods. We acquired machinery to clean, hull, and grind millet. Today, we produce ready-to-cook mixes and sell them in the region. Thanks to our collaboration with SWISSAID and local organisations, we have raised awareness about millet cultivation in around 30 villages to date.
However, we do not only produce food. Our range now also includes soaps made from papaya or activated charcoal, as well as herbal juices. Last year, our group received the UNDP Equator Prize 2025—one of the most prestigious international awards for biodiversity. It was a deeply moving moment for us. This recognition shows that our knowledge and our work truly make a difference.
Facts and Figures
A major agricultural power
India possesses 141 million hectares of agricultural land (34 times the size of Switzerland) and is the world’s second-largest agricultural producer. Nearly half of the population works in this sector, many of whom are smallholders with just 1 to 2 hectares of land.
Invisible and with no rights
Women perform around 70% of all agricultural work and produce roughly the same proportion of food in India. Despite this, they own less than 14% of the land—legally, many are not even recognized as “farmers.” As a result, they lack access to credit, insurance, or education.
A tough world for women
India is considered one of the most dangerous countries in the world for women. In the Global Gender Gap Report, the country ranks 131st out of 146. Many Indian women—especially smallholders—work over 16 hours a day. They tend to the fields, care for the children, and look after family members—work that is frequently unpaid and invisible.
The power of solidarity
Being a woman smallholder in India is not easy. Many women do not own their own land. There is a lack of training opportunities, recognition, and daily support. This makes solidarity among women all the more vital. It sustains and strengthens us. I have learned that as a farmer, I can simultaneously be an entrepreneur, a learner, and a protector of nature.
I often spend my evenings reflecting on the day’s work and planning for tomorrow. Balancing farming and family is not easy. But it keeps me active and connects me deeply with the women of the region. And it allows me to sleep peacefully at night.”
