The role women play in agriculture and hence in feeding the world is significant. Yet they are often invisible in agriculture value chains. Women farmers are often agents of change in farming households. They innovate by introducing new crops, processing products and enhancing quality of actual production. Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is resolved to creating a conducive environment for women’s increased recognition and role in agriculture.  

Ms. Florence Rolle, FAO Representative in Pakistan, interacted with a group of women farmers producing onions in the village Dito Kalaro; district Tando Allah Yar.        
                                                                                                                                                                                                                    FAO trained these women in production of onions, climate smart agriculture, integrated pest management, and improved packaging. They were abreast of the difference of prices of onions on the market based on their size and on the need to increase the shelf life and in order for them to get better prices. While the women shared the devastating impact the floods had on their previous onion harvest, they also showed strong engagement in ensuring this year harvest would be better based on what they had learned and on trying new experiments such as frying onions in order to preserve onions and sell them at a higher price.

The women were proud of showing to the FAO Representative the onion grader that the project “Growth for Rural Advancement and Sustainable Program (GRASP)” has provided to them. It was encouraging and enlightening to see such a group of women eager to learn more and play a greater role in the production and marketing of the onion production.   

Grading of fruits and vegetables according to the size is necessary for their proper price. Uniformity in size and shape is important to make the product aesthetically pleasant and improve its processing abilities. At present, most of the farmers go to markets to sell their products without sorting.  Provision of onion graders will add value to their onion produce. Women farmers will be able to get better economic returns on their product.

GRASP is funded by European Union and implemented by International Trading Center (ITC). FAO is a partner of ITC and is entrusted to arrange advance skill development trainings and provide sustainable tools for improved agricultural production in Sindh and Balochistan provinces.