Empowering Women in the Turmeric Supply Chain

Client / Partner

US-based Multinational Corporation (Confidential)

Sector & Geography

Agriculture | Tamil Nadu, India

Engagement Focus

Women empowerment, capacity building, sustainable livelihoods

Context & Objectives

Women from farming households often play a critical yet under-recognized role in agricultural supply chains. In the turmeric-growing regions of Tamil Nadu, IRFT partnered with a US-based multinational to design and implement a women empowerment initiative aimed at strengthening women’s participation, decision-making power, and economic resilience within the turmeric supply chain.

1

Increase women’s participation in the turmeric value chain

2

Strengthen women’s decision-making roles within households and communities

3

Build sustainable and diversified livelihood opportunities

4

Enhance awareness of government schemes and institutional support

Approach & Methodology

The initiative was grounded in a baseline study conducted by IRFT to understand existing socio-economic conditions, participation levels, and constraints faced by women. Based on the findings, IRFT developed targeted, context-specific interventions focused on capacity building, collective action, and livelihood sustainability.

Our Key Interventions

1

Formation and strengthening of women’s groups

2

Technical training related to turmeric cultivation and value addition

3

Awareness-building on relevant government schemes and entitlements

4

Capacity-building programs to enhance confidence and leadership

OUR IMPACT

Where Our Work Creates Change

This phased approach aims to ensure long-term economic empowerment and deeper integration of women into formal value chains.

Increased participation of women in supply chain activities

Improved awareness of rights, schemes, and livelihood opportunities

Enhanced confidence and agency among women beneficiaries

Next Phase (Scaling & Sustainability)

Strengthening women-led enterprises

Market linkage and access to finance

Advanced quality and compliance training

Leadership development and institutional sustainability

Stay Connected to Change

Get stories, insights, and impact updates from the heart of fair and sustainable trade.