Visiting basmati rice farmers in Pakistan

In 2015, we were contacted by Axfood after they realized that everything was not right in the production of their basmati rice from Punjab. The joint project has now been running for a year and conditions for rice farmers have changed drastically.

Collaboration for sustainable rice cultivation
In 2015, Axfood realized that their basmati rice from Punjab was dark red on almost all risk parameters; child labor, women's situation, working conditions, water shortages, pesticides and vulnerability to climate change. Axfood therefore contacted Oxfam for help in investigating the situation in the area where the rice is purchased. A year later, the study was completed and the concerns were confirmed. Smallholder farmers growing basmati rice were often trapped in debt to the village middleman. High interest rates kept farmers in poverty. When women took work during the rice planting season, they had to endure harsh working conditions. In addition, there was sometimes harassment and harmful working conditions.

Together with Axfood, Axfoundation and the supplier Rol-Ryz, work began to improve conditions.

Farmers organize themselves and women take their place
The project involves farmers organizing themselves into growers' organizations in ten villages where women's participation must be at least 50%. Knowledge about the sustainability standard for rice is passed on to the farmers so that they can reduce environmental and social abuses and get better payment for their rice. In January, our partner organization Axfood traveled to Pakistan to check on the progress of the rice project. Kristina Areskog Bjurling, Sustainability Manager at Axfood, was one of those who went.

"One of my strongest impressions from Pakistan is the women in the village of Pindi Ratan Sing. The female chairperson told us that they are now meeting and discussing common problems and solutions and that for the first time the women dare to speak out and be active in the discussions in the village. My first reaction was that this must be too good to be true. Could it be that they have faked the meeting because we are there to visit? But when more women expressed similar stories and the men also talked about how they feel they can now make better decisions together, I realized it was genuine. This is really happening."

Kristina Areskog Bjurling, Sustainability Manager Axfood

Water a key issue for the sustainability of rice production
Rice requires large amounts of water and the groundwater level in Punjab is steadily declining.

"Before the project, we thought it was better to sell the rice wet because it is heavier. With the help of our new contacts with the owners of the rice mills, we understand that it is actually the other way around. We actually get more money for the rice if it is low in moisture," says one of the participants in the project, which provides farmers with information on water-saving cultivation methods, both from a rice institute and the Agricultural University of Faisalabad.

Rice farmer, Pakistan

Using the new methods, including direct seeding of rice, can save up to 30% of water. The new contacts made in the project have also made sales easier for farmers. In addition, through a partnership with Matco, the rice exporter, 200 of the farmers in the project area will be able to sell their rice directly to them at a better price than before. Workers' rights are also a key element in improving conditions for rice farmers.

"I've been planting rice for a long time and it's hard work. Before this project, I didn't know that those of us who are seasonal workers without land also have rights."

Rice farmer, Pakistan

• If, in the future, our suppliers can start buying directly from small farmers who have adapted to the international sustainability standard for rice, we can contribute through our trade to real improvements for these farmers. This would mean they can put their children in school, afford healthcare and eat well all year round. Basic things that are missing for too many rice farmers with little or no land today," says Areskog Bjurling.

"If, in the future, our suppliers can start buying directly from smallholder farmers who have adapted to the international sustainability standard for rice, we can contribute through our trade to real improvements for these farmers. This would mean they can put their children in school, afford healthcare and eat well all year round. Basic things that are missing for too many rice farmers with little or no land today."

Kristina Areskog Bjurling, Sustainability Manager Axfood

Now Oxfam and Doaba, the local organisation running the project in the villages, are planning to lobby for more legislation to ensure decent working conditions in agriculture, which in Pakistan is not covered by the usual labour laws. The aim is to ensure that workers in rice plantations have decent working conditions.

"My lasting impression is that we have succeeded beyond expectations in the project to improve the conditions of rice farmers so far. There is great potential for further progress in the future. I feel hopeful about that."

Kristina Areskog Bjurling, Sustainability Manager Axfood