In June 2024, as Narendra Modi began his third term as Prime Minister of India, his first action set the tone for a renewed commitment to farmers. By authorising the release of the 17th installment of the PM Kisan Nidhi, he underscored his government’s enduring focus on farmer welfare. This dedication was further reinforced in the first Cabinet meeting of 2025, where significant decisions were made to bolster agricultural prosperity. Prime Minister Modi expressed his pride in India’s farmers and reaffirmed the government’s intent to empower them. Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan echoed this sentiment, envisioning the New Year as a step towards fulfilling the shared dream of a developed India. This commitment to farmer welfare takes on even greater significance when we recognise the pivotal role of women farmers in transforming India's agricultural landscape.
The role of women in agriculture is undergoing a profound transformation, from being invisible contributors to emerging as leaders shaping the future of this critical sector. Women like Yogita Patidar are at the forefront of this movement. As the Director of Barwani Shubh Laxmi Samraddh Mahila Kisan Producer Company, Yogita mobilized over 300 women Farmer Producer Organisation (FPO) members in just three months, enabling her organization to achieve an impressive turnover of ?30 lakhs in its first year. Her initiatives—making quality cattle feed available at lower costs, promoting silage production to enhance milk productivity, and distributing essential farming inputs like seeds and plants—are empowering women farmers and fostering financial stability in their communities.
This story of empowerment is not an isolated one; it reflects a growing recognition of women’s indispensable role in agriculture. Women farmers contribute significantly to India’s agricultural output, yet for decades, their labor went unnoticed, and their voices remained unheard. Today, they are stepping out of the shadows, leading FPOs, adopting modern technologies, and playing a central role in sustainable agricultural practices.
Government Initiatives: Creating A Supportive Ecosystem
The Government of India is committed to nurturing women’s participation in agriculture through innovative policies and programs. Initiatives like Attracting and Retaining Youth in Agriculture (ARYA), operational in 100 Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), and the National Agricultural Higher Education Project (NAHEP) co-funded by the Central Government and the World Bank, aim to inspire rural youth to embrace agriculture. Under NAHEP’s Mainstreaming Agricultural Curriculum in Education (MACE) initiative, efforts are underway to introduce agricultural education in schools, develop policies, and create frameworks to foster interest in farming from an early age.
The government’s focus extends to addressing immediate challenges faced by farmers. Programs like PM Kisan, Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY), and the Modified Interest Subvention Scheme (MISS) provide income support, crop insurance, and concessional loans. These initiatives not only safeguard livelihoods but also pave the way for more equitable participation of women in farming.
Moreover, the government has set an ambitious target to establish 10,000 FPOs by 2027–28, recognising their potential as a transformative force in Indian agriculture. FPOs offer collective strength, enabling farmers to negotiate better prices, access advanced technologies, and adopt sustainable practices. Women-led FPOs, in particular, are proving to be game changers, enhancing productivity, ensuring food security, and driving rural prosperity.
Bridging The Gender Gap: Toward Sustainable Development
Organisations like Corteva Agriscience are aligning with this vision, providing smallholder farmers—especially women—with the knowledge, resources, and market linkages they need to succeed. Corteva’s support for women-led FPOs includes capacity building, promoting sustainable practices, and optimizing farming costs through collective input sourcing. Such efforts not only increase income potential for farmers but also create resilient and inclusive agricultural communities.
Despite these positive strides, challenges remain. Women farmers often lack access to land ownership, credit, and modern tools, limiting their full potential. Addressing these barriers requires a paradigm shift in the agricultural mindset. Policymakers, educators, and extension workers must prioritize gender equity and promote inclusive practices. Awareness campaigns highlighting women’s contributions and targeted capacity-building programs in gender research are essential steps toward a sustainable future.
The role of women in agriculture is not merely about their labour; it’s about recognizing their potential as innovators, decision-makers, and leaders. As Yogita Patidar’s story demonstrates, when women are empowered, they drive transformative change—not only improving agricultural outcomes but also fostering social and economic stability in their communities.
The Road Ahead
As India marches toward a sustainable and inclusive agricultural economy, it’s imperative to build on these successes. The government’s multifaceted approach, complemented by private and community-led initiatives, underscores the potential of a collaborative model. Women farmers must be given equitable access to resources, representation in decision-making, and recognition for their invaluable contributions.
In the evolving narrative of Indian agriculture, women are no longer the silent workforce. They are its heartbeat—pioneering change, championing sustainability, and shaping a future where their voices are not just heard but lead the chorus for equality and progress. Acknowledging and uplifting women in agriculture isn’t just a necessity; it’s the cornerstone of a resilient, self-reliant India.
Source: Business World