The climatic conditions are ideal for rice cultivation, but the lack of basic services and technical obstacles present the families in the economically weak region with great challenges.

Fairtrade premium projects with great impact

The “Kotwa” partner project from Nature Bio Foods Ltd. and the organic pioneer Davert supports the rice farmers in mastering current and future challenges. Nature Bio Foods has been Fairtrade certified since 2013: The small farming families receive stable Fairtrade minimum prices for their rice through fair trade for their rice, plus an additional Fairtrade premium, which is used, for example, to switch to biodynamic cultivation and for charitable projects.

With the help of the Fairtrade premium, five project measures were initiated, which show a major impact on the small farming families and their community.

1. Laser technology for more yield

For many years, the farmers of Kotwa built their rice on uneven fields, which could not be easily planted and irrigated. Through a laser leveler – a machine equipped with a laser-controlled drag bucket – the farmers can pave their fields, plant them evenly and irrigate them. This has increased harvest volumes – with lower seed demand.

2. Knowledge creates (self-)consciousness

In the “Farmer Knowledge Center”, small farmers can expand their knowledge of rice cultivation. There, they acquire knowledge and skills to switch from conventional to organic farming or to produce biological fertilizers and pesticides. The resulting higher crop yields and better income also contribute to strengthening the self-confidence of the mostly financially weak farmers.

3. From taboo subject to source of income

Especially in rural areas of India, women are often disadvantaged, do not have the same access to education and medical care as men and are stigmatized during their period. With the help of the Fairtrade premium, educational work was carried out in workshops on menstrual hygiene and distributed hygiene articles. Women from Kotwa have also founded a small manufactory for sanitary napkins. In doing so, they generate their own incomes, improve the situation of women and at the same time the hygienic conditions in the countryside.

4. With education into a self-determined future.

For a long time, there was a lack of many things that children need to learn for a long time. With funds from the Fairtrade premium, the school has been renovated and modernised in recent years. Today there is a school canteen, hygienic toilets for girls and boys, clean drinking water and computer courses. The number of students rose from 18 in 2018 to 250 in 2022.

5. More light for life in Kota

With the setting sun, public life on the streets of Kotwa ended in the past, as there was no electric lighting. With the help of the Fairtrade premiums, 54 solar-powered street lights have been purchased, which have not only been extended since then not only the time when residents can stay outside, but also increase safety in the community.