Gurbir Kaur might carry the weight of familial responsibilities on her young shoulders, but she no longer has to walk through waterlogged rice fields. Her health is improving, and she is now more present for her family.

Has there been any compromise on farm yield? No. In fact, it has been a productive year. The soil is healthier, and the paddy is lush green.

What led to this transformation?

Direct Seeded Rice (DSR) allows seeds to be sown directly into dry soil, reducing labor by 50% and cutting water use by 40%. Efficient and impactful, it also addresses major health challenges faced by women farmers.

Traditional rice farming is not kind. It demands that women spend long hours bent over in waterlogged fields, leading to musculoskeletal problems such as chronic back pain, joint stiffness, and arthritis. This exposure increases the risk of vector-borne diseases like malaria and dengue fever, as well as painful skin infections such as candidiasis, ringworm, and dermatitis.

Additionally, these harsh conditions make women more vulnerable to heat-related illnesses during hot weather. There are also concerns that prolonged exposure to waterlogged fields and contaminants may be linked to reproductive issues, including stillbirths and miscarriages.

DSR has been a turning point for farmers like Gurbir Kaur. By reducing the drudgery associated with waterlogged rice farming, it has eased their lives. They now have time to watch their children take their first steps, help with homework, and enjoy a quiet moment at home. They can focus on their health, savoring the simple joys of life that were once out of reach.

At Grow Indigo, our focus on regenerative practices like DSR is inspired by these success stories. Nothing better than supporting farmers and planetary health in one fell swoop.