Women are actively involved in various agricultural activities in general in Myanmar and in particular in Central Dry Zone and their contributions to agriculture are of significant importance for ensuring local food security and nutrition. If on one hand, they have a vital role at the pre-harvest management stage then on the other they are the main players in post-harvest management of the produce and thus have important contribution in ensuring food safety.     

Ma Kyi Kyi Lwin, a 48-year-old farmer residing in Sintgaing Township, Mandalay Region, stands as a testament to the power of women's influence in agriculture. With a family of six, including parents, siblings, and herself, her journey exemplifies the impact that women can have in transforming agricultural practices and improving food security within their communities. 

In 2022, she was selected as one of the 23 lead farmers for a project focused on disseminating good agricultural practices (GAP) across 11 villages in Sintgaing Township. This project, funded by the FAO GAFSP, aimed to enhance food security and nutrition through sustainable agricultural methods. Women farmers like Ma Kyi Kyi Lwin, known for their proactive and practical approach, were instrumental in adopting cost-effective and innovative farming techniques that ultimately led to sustainable agriculture practices and improved food security within their localities. 

One of the pivotal moments in her journey was her participation in the Training of Trainers (ToT) session on good agricultural practices, facilitated by the FAO-GAFSP project in collaboration with local partners. Through this training, she gained valuable insights into optimizing agricultural practices. One of the notable takeaways was the method of using certified seeds and seed selection processes for enhanced sowing. 

While she had heard about the salt-water solution treatment method from fellow farmers, she had never personally tried it before. However, equipped with scientific knowledge from the ToT training, she implemented this method during the summer rice-planting season. The technique involved soaking rice seeds in a salt-water solution, leading to the removal of shriveled, disease-affected, and unfilled grains. By adopting this method, she not only improved seed quality but also achieved higher germination rates, resulting in cost savings and increased productivity. 

Furthermore, the project helped her transition from traditional methods of nursery raising to the raised bed method. This shift brought forth numerous advantages, including reduced seed rates, healthier seedlings, decreased pest infestation, and simplified nursery management. Her success with the raised bed method during monsoon rice plantation solidified her commitment to its continued use. Moreover, she is dedicated to sharing her newfound knowledge and successful practices with other rice farmers in her village, thus propagating sustainable and efficient agricultural practices. 

Ma Kyi Kyi Lwin's journey showcases the transformative power ofknowledge sharing, and practical implementation. Her story resonates with the potential that women hold in revolutionizing agriculture and ensuring food security. Through the FAO GAFSP funded project, she and women like her are not just adopting new methods—they are becoming advocates for change, disseminating knowledge, and cultivating a future where sustainable agriculture is not just a concept, but a way of life. 

Please click here for video clip of this case study in Myanmar language with English subtitle