Empowering Women in Agriculture for Food Security
RELVANCE: Social Issues | Women Empowerment | Agriculture
Introduction
Women are the backbone of rural economies and agriculture worldwide. In India, they form over 80% of the agricultural workforce, yet face systemic marginalisation in terms of land rights, access to finance, and technology. Recognising this, the UN General Assembly has declared 2026 as the International Year of the Woman Farmer, creating a timely global platform to address these inequalities.
Women in Agriculture: The Paradox
- Global Level:
- Women contribute ~50% of the global food supply.
- In developing countries, their role extends to 60–80% of food production.
- India-Specific Data:
- 80% of economically active women are in agriculture.
- Yet, only 14% officially own land; NFHS data shows 8.3% own agricultural land.
- This restricts access to credit, inputs, and decision-making.
Key Challenges Faced
- Lack of Land Ownership → No access to formal credit.
- Limited Access to Technology & Training → Low productivity.
- Exclusion from Policy Design → Gender-blind agricultural policies.
- Climate Vulnerability → Women bear the brunt of food and water insecurity.
Government & Institutional Responses
- Mahila Kisan Sashaktikaran Pariyojana (MKSP):
- Skill development and resource access for women farmers.
- Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanisation:
- 50–80% subsidy on farm machinery.
- National Food Security Mission:
- 30% budget earmarked for women in selected States/UTs.
- ENACT Project (WFP + Assam Govt + Norway):
- Climate-resilient solutions for women farmers
- Weekly agri-advisories, seed production, market linkages
- Focus on flood-resistant crops in Assam’s Nagaon district
Empowerment = Food Security + Resilience
- Climate adaptation: Women must be central to climate-smart agriculture.
- Livelihood diversification reduces dependency on vulnerable crops.
- Technology access: Mobile advisories, video sessions, local info centres.
What More Needs to Be Done
- Gender-Disaggregated Data:
For designing tools, credit models, and policy tailored to women. - Agri-Value Chain Reform:
Promote women-led SHGs, FPOs, and cooperative marketing. - Financial Inclusion:
Expand microfinance + institutional credit access via land leasing reforms. - Leverage 2026 UN Declaration:
Showcase India’s gender-responsive agriculture models globally.
Conclusion
Empowering women in agriculture is not just a gender equity issue—it’s a food security imperative. As primary food producers, women must be provided land rights, technology, training, and voice in agri-policy. The 2026 International Year of the Woman Farmer offers a strategic moment for India to lead by example.
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