Cultivating Change Empowering Farmers in the Transition towards a climateresilient Spice Supply Chain


Cultivating Change Empowering Farmers in the Transition towards a climateresilient Spice Supply Chain

Commissioned by Lead Executing Agency
German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) Verstegen Spices & Sauces BV; Growcoms Private Limited
Lead Implementing Agency Duration
GIZ- Deutsche Gesellschaft für international Zusammenarbeit 2025 - 2028 December

THE CHALLENGE

Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka are among India’s leading producers of red chilli, yet conventional cultivation in these regions remains heavily dependent on chemical inputs contributing to biodiversity loss, declining soil health, and rising greenhouse gas emissions. In addition, inadequate drying and storage practices frequently lead to aflatoxin contamination, affecting product quality and limiting market access.

While regenerative agriculture presents a more sustainable pathway, its adoption remains constrained by challenges such as initial 20-40% yield reductions, and limited access to locally available quality bio-inputs. At the same time, women constitute nearly two-thirds of the agricultural workforce but continue to face wage disparities and limited participation in decision-making.

To address these issues, the project promotes a transition to climate-resilient red chilli production through IPM++-based regenerative agriculture, supported by farmer training, field demonstrations, and improved access to locally produced bio-inputs. It also strengthens value chain transparency and export-oriented quality compliance while empowering women farmers through skill development and agrientrepreneurship, contributing to improved livelihoods, gender equity, and a more resilient red-chilli supply chain.

OBJECTIVE

Farmers along the red chilli supply chain in Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh benefit from improved climate-resilient livelihoods

(L-R) Red chilli cultivation and drying in Srikakulam, Andhra Pradesh and Raichur, Karnataka

(L-R) Consultation with red chilli farmers on sustainable pre and post-harvest practices in Srikakulam, Adhra Pradesh and Raichur, Karnataka | ©  Mr Kirtman Awasthi | Project manager | kirtiman.awasthi@giz.de

APPROACH

  • Facilitating the transition to IPM++-based regenerative chilli cultivation by co-developing science-backed packages of practices, and promote its adoption by fieldlevel demonstration, and strengthening farmer capacities through local champions. It will also integrate digital solutions to build a transparent and traceable EUcompliant supply chain.
  • Strengthening agri-entrepreneurship by market orientation of farmers and supporting income diversification strategies. It will also focus on establishing women-led Bio-input Resource Centres (BRC), backed by technical support and facilitating access to various funding instruments including microfinance.
  • Reducing GHG emission in red chilli supply chain by developing and implementing a decarbonisation strategy, centred around regenerative agriculture practices, biodiversity conservation and climate resilience, supported by tools and scalable practices for sector-wide adoption.
  • Strengthening the Sustainable Spices Community of Practice by co-developing and showcasing decarbonisation tools, demonstrating the BRC model, and develop a strategic roadmap for women-led growth in rural areas by promoting their leadership in regenerative agriculture.

PROJECT LOCATIONS

Project Implementing States

PROJECT CONTRIBUTION TO THE AGENDA 2030

 

RESOURCES

All publications of this project can be accessed via the Resources section

  • What, How and When: To learn about the project activities visit our News from the Projects and Media Coverage section and select the topic “Cultivating Change: Empowering Farmers in the Transition towards a climateresilient Spice Supply Chain ”.
  • Where: To learn more about our project sites visit our Where We Work section.
  • Who: Find our Partners and our Team under the Who We Are section.

 

 


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Cultivating Change Empowering Farmers in the Transition towards a climateresilient Spice Supply Chain Factsheet

IGBP, GIZ

2026

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