Women in Assam grow rice and crabs for climate resilience

Women farmers in Assam are adopting an integrated rice-crab farming system to cope with erratic rainfall and long dry spells caused by climate change. The method, supported by the Assam State Rural Livelihood Mission (ASRLM), combines indigenous Betguti rice with freshwater crab farming. Crabs help control pests, aerate the soil, and reduce the need for agrochemicals while providing a second income source.

The Betguti rice variety can be planted until late July, a month later than usual, and withstands long dry periods better than hybrid varieties. Traditional paddy-fish farming has become difficult due to dry spells, making crabs a more viable option. The project began in 2025 in Lakhimpur district's Narayanpur block, with 80 women planting Betguti and releasing crabs in their fields. ASRLM plans to scale this integrated farming across 219 blocks in the state.

Hybrid rice cultivation in Assam has grown from 8% to 13% of the total rice area between 2018-19 and 2024-25, but these varieties struggle with prolonged dry spells. Farmers like Nikumoni Bora aim to preserve indigenous rice varieties while diversifying income. The approach offers a climate-resilient alternative to monoculture paddy farming.