The story of Bibijhan
and her journey into organic agriculture
In the early 2000s, Bibijhan, a visionary woman from Teertha village in North Karnataka, planted the first seeds of change by founding one of the region’s most impactful Community Seed Banks (CSB). What started as a small local effort is now a thriving initiative led by 14 women, distributing over 300 varieties of traditional seeds to farmers across 22 villages.
Before starting the CSB, Bibijhan and her fellow women worked in tailoring, while quietly observing agricultural practices around them. When the opportunity came, they were ready — equipped with practical knowledge and supported by NGO training. Their mission: to promote organic, ancestral farming methods that protect biodiversity and local food sovereignty.
She also founded a Self-Help Group (SHG) for women, aiming to generate income, strengthen financial independence, and help members access bank loans — which many have since used to invest in homes, education, or small businesses. Through seed sales, participation in melas and local festivals, and community leadership, the group has become a powerful force for women’s empowerment.
Today, Bibijhan is also a director of Devdanya FPC, the farmer-owned company promoting underutilized crops like millets and pulses. Part of her seed bank’s production is now sold to Devdanya, helping build fair, farmer-led value chains — and extending her impact beyond her own village.
Bibijhan’s journey is a story of resilience, collaboration, and the power of women to transform agriculture — and their communities — from the ground up
