Why in the news?
The United Nations General Assembly has declared 2026 the International Year of the Woman Farmer. It supports the essential role of women in global agriculture while raising awareness of their challenges. For eg, property rights and market access.
Contribution of Women in Agriculture
(a) Women play a significant role in agriculture, contributing largely to food production, rural economies, and sustainable farming practices.
(b) Nearly 58% of the female labour force in Asia and the Pacific works in the agricultural sector.
(i) In developing countries, women are accountable for an average of 75% of food production.
(ii) An average of 15% of women hold tenure rights to the land they work on. This highlights the intensity of gender inequality in the segment.
(c) Around 80% of rural women in India are involved in agricultural activities, ranging from crop cultivation to livestock management( NITI Aayog)
Impacts of Women’s Involvement in Agriculture
(a) Higher Agricultural Output: Access to land, technology, and money at par with men, women can foster food production. It will help meet local and global demand.
(b) Diversification of Crops: Women prefer variety in crops while growing them. So, it improves dietary diversity and reduces dependency on single food sources.
(c) Better Resource Management: Reports prove that women invest in sustainable farming practices. Consequently, improving soil health and water conservation helps in ensuring long-term food security.
(d) Improved Household Nutrition: When women take charge of finances and food distribution, families get balanced, nutrient-rich meals. Eventually, reducing malnutrition menace.
(e) Economic Stability: Women’s participation in agri-produce trade and cooperatives makes rural economies robust, ensuring food affordability and accessibility.
(f) Market Expansion: Women entrepreneurs bring new products and services, fostering local markets and consumer spending.
(g) Community Resilience: Gender-inclusive policies and leadership strengthen social structures, promoting sustainable economic development.
Concerns & Challenges
(a) Limited Access to Land Ownership: Legal and cultural limitations stop women from owning or inheriting land. Consequently, diminishes their ability to invest in farming.
(b) Lack of Financial Inclusion: Bottlenecks in obtaining loans and financial support make it difficult to invest in modern techniques.
(c) Restricted Market Access: Discrimination and insufficient infrastructure create roadblocks for women to sell their produce at favourable prices. Also, it hampers their entry into larger supply chains.
(d) Restricted Access to Technology: Many women are devoid of mobile-based agricultural advisory services, restricting their ability to make informed decisions.
(e) Limited Education & Training: Many women farmers lack access to modern agricultural techniques, digital literacy, and climate-smart farming methods.
(f) Gender Bias in Agricultural Policies: Dispensation programs and subsidies majorly target male farmers, leaving women with limited resources and opportunities.
(g) Heavy Workload & Unpaid Labor: Women are typically burdened with the dual role of farming as well as household responsibilities. So, it leaves less time for productivity and income-generating activities.
Effective Strategies
(a) Secure Land Rights: Ensure women have legitimate ownership and control over land. Without land, access to credit, inputs, and government schemes becomes nearly impossible.
(b) Access to Credit & Financial Services: Design microfinance systems and cooperative banks with flexible terms that cater to women farmers’ realities, enabling investment in tools, seeds, and other essentials.
(c) Capacity Building & Training: Offer skill development in sustainable farming techniques, agribusiness, and climate-resilient practices, tailored to local needs and schedules.
(d) Technology & Digital Tools: Ensure women have mobile-based platforms for market access, weather forecasts, and farming suggestions—bridging the information gap.
(e) Supportive Infrastructure: Ameliorate access to irrigation, storage facilities, transport, and local markets, which irrationally affect women in remote areas.
(f) Childcare & Social Support Services: Acknowledge women’s dual roles by creating support systems that free up time for productive work.
- Political Participation of Women in India
- Organic Farming in India: Advantages & Govt Initiatives
- Inland Water Transport in India: Advantages & Challenges of IWT
- Top 5 NDA Coaching in India
Indian Initiatives and Policy Support
(i) Mahila Kisan Sashaktikaran Pariyojana (MKSP): It aims to enhance women’s skills and access to resources in farming.
(ii) Krishi Sakhi: It is a Community Agriculture care Service Provider (CASP) which aims to enable the last mile coverage in rural areas where farm-based services for agriculture activities are not available on time or are expensive to afford for the rural poor.
(iii) Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and Microfinance Schemes: They provide financial assistance to women farmers, enabling them to invest in sustainable agricultural practices.
(iv) PM Kisan Samman Nidhi: A direct income support scheme that benefits small and marginal farmers, including women.
(v) Kisan Fasal Bima Yojana: A crop insurance scheme ensuring financial security for farmers, including women.
(vi) Jan Dhan Yojana: It improves financial inclusion by ensuring women have access to bank accounts and credit facilities
Conclusion
Empowering women in agriculture is not only about gender equality—it is imperative for ensuring food security. By providing required skills and opportunities, we can build a more sustainable and shock-absorbing agricultural sector. Governments, private players, and communities must work in collaboration to leverage the potential of women farmers, enabling a more secure future for all.