Unleashing the social capital of self-help groups for strengthening seed systems in Uttar Pradesh, India

Women's empowerment and varietal replacement of crops are often unconnected domains in agricultural development; an experience connecting both in India has global potential. Rajiv Gandhi Mahila Vikas Pariyojana, a women's empowerment and poverty reduction program in Uttar Pradesh, embedded seed practices within the collective structure of women's self-help groups. Through collective efforts, women became successful in the production and dissemination of quality seed of new rice and wheat varieties, reaching more than 30,000 small-scale farmers. They appropriated several components of the seed value chain; their social capital became instrumental in varietal replacement. The self-perception of women as knowledgeable farmers changed, as did the perception of household and community members; therefore, seed activities contributed to intrinsic women's empowerment. [Display omitted] •The social capital of SHGs is an asset for inclusive and effective seed systems.•SHG involvement in seed systems increases access to new varieties for poor farmers.•Early generation seed supply hinders seed producers' access to new varieties.•Development organizations working with SHGs can contribute to varietal replacement.•Seed activities of women SHGs contribute to instrumental and intrinsic empowerment.