As part of our efforts to promote investment, entrepreneurship, and innovation, the Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Capability for the Hindu Kush Himalaya (REEECH) Initiative has set up a Renewable Energy Solution in Agriculture (RESA) incubation programme. During its incubation phase, where eight businesses were selected for incubation, we involved women of diverse backgrounds in non-conventional roles in all enterprises to break numerous biases. Across all enterprises, women are either leading the business, driving technology in agriculture, or bringing innovation to their business.

BIAS: ENTREPRENEURSHIP IS ONLY FOR THE YOUTH, AFFLUENT, AND EDUCATED

Through capacity building, the single women of Chhahari Krishi Samuha – aged 60 and above – now negotiate with the bank for funds to scale their business, backed up by a strong investment plan.

BIAS: INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY ARE NOT WOMEN’S FORTE

Subhawana Subba, team member of a vertical hydroponics farm called Muttha, has a degree in biotech engineering and has designed a hydroponics monitoring system which has incorporated solar panels as a renewable energy source.

BIAS: RENEWABLE ENERGY (SOLAR POWER, WIND POWER, HYDROPOWER) IS TOO TECHNICAL AND NOT MANAGEABLE FOR NON-EXPERTS

Saugat Griha – a micro enterprise cooperative that produces paper, food, and textile products – switched to solar dryers operated by women in many villages. They sought support for product diversification, and we sought to break the bias at each node of the value chain – from input supply to consumer – by bringing more women in the forefront of agricultural businesses incorporating renewable energy.