Women Farmers in Agriculture: Role, Schemes & Challenges

Agriculture is one of India's largest employment sectors, and women play a vital role in ensuring food security, sustainable farming, and rural development. From preparing fields and sowing seeds to managing livestock and marketing agricultural produce, women contribute across the entire agricultural value chain.

Despite their immense contribution, many women farmers continue to face challenges related to land ownership, financial inclusion, access to technology, and recognition. However, recent government initiatives and capacity-building programs are creating new opportunities for women to become successful agri-entrepreneurs and leaders in rural development.

Who Are Women Farmers?

Women farmers are individuals engaged in agricultural activities such as crop cultivation, livestock management, horticulture, fisheries, food processing, and other farm-related operations. Their responsibilities extend from land preparation to harvesting, storage, processing, and marketing.

Today, women are increasingly being recognized not just as agricultural workers but also as entrepreneurs, decision-makers, and innovators contributing to India's agricultural growth.

Why Women Farmers Matter

Women play a crucial role in strengthening India's agricultural ecosystem by:

• Increasing food production
• Supporting rural livelihoods
• Managing livestock and dairy farming
• Preserving biodiversity
• Promoting sustainable farming practices
• Improving household nutrition
• Strengthening local economies

Their growing participation is essential for achieving food security and climate-resilient agriculture.

Key Facts About Women Farmers in India

• Around 80% of economically active rural women are engaged in agriculture.
• 33% of the rural female workforce works as agricultural labourers.
• 48% are self-employed farmers.
• More than 11.61 lakh women farmers received training under the Agricultural Technology Management Agency (ATMA) during 2025–26 (up to 28 February 2026).
• 1,175 women-led Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) benefit approximately 23.55 lakh farmers.
• Women beneficiaries have received over ₹1.01 lakh crore under the PM-KISAN scheme since its inception.

Role of Women Farmers in Agriculture

1. Crop Production

Women actively participate in sowing, transplanting, weeding, irrigation, harvesting, and other labour-intensive farming activities that directly influence agricultural productivity.

2. Livestock Management

Women manage dairy farming, poultry, and small livestock while contributing significantly to animal care and household income generation.

3. Post-Harvest Processing

Many women engage in food processing, mushroom cultivation, spice grinding, and other value-added agricultural activities that increase farmers' income.

4. Sustainable Agriculture

Women contribute to biodiversity conservation, soil health management, and natural farming practices that promote environmentally sustainable agriculture.

5. Technology Adoption

Modern initiatives such as the Namo Drone Didi Programme are encouraging women to adopt precision farming technologies and modern agricultural practices.

Government Schemes Supporting Women Farmers

Several government initiatives aim to empower women farmers through financial assistance, technology, skill development, and institutional support.

Namo Drone Didi Scheme

Provides drones to women Self-Help Groups (SHGs) with central assistance, enabling precision agriculture and creating new livelihood opportunities.

Mahila Kisan Sashaktikaran Pariyojana (MKSP)

Focuses on strengthening women's participation in agriculture through skill development and capacity building.

Agricultural Infrastructure Fund (AIF)

Supports women-led agricultural infrastructure projects by providing interest subvention for warehouses, cold storage, and other facilities.

Krishi Sakhi Programme

Trains women as para-extension workers to bridge the gap between scientific research and farmers.

ICAR–Central Institute for Women in Agriculture (CIWA)

Conducts research and develops women-friendly agricultural technologies and tools.

Challenges Faced by Women Farmers

Despite growing recognition, women farmers continue to face several barriers.

Limited Land Ownership

Many women lack legal ownership of agricultural land, restricting their access to institutional benefits and formal credit.

High Physical Workload

Traditional agricultural tools often increase physical strain and reduce work efficiency.

Limited Access to Credit

Without adequate collateral, many women struggle to secure formal loans for agricultural investments.

Knowledge Gap

Women frequently have limited access to agricultural extension services, technical training, and information.

Climate Risks

Climate change disproportionately affects women farmers due to limited resources and adaptive capacity.

The Way Forward

To further strengthen women-led agriculture, key focus areas include:

• Improve digital verification of land records.
• Promote gender-sensitive agricultural mechanization.
• Expand women-led Farmer Producer Organizations.
• Strengthen market linkages for women entrepreneurs.
• Institutionalize the role of Krishi Sakhis in agricultural extension services.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why are women important in agriculture?

Women contribute across the agricultural value chain, including crop production, livestock management, post-harvest processing, and sustainable farming practices.

What government schemes support women farmers?

Key initiatives include the Namo Drone Didi Scheme, Mahila Kisan Sashaktikaran Pariyojana (MKSP), Agricultural Infrastructure Fund (AIF), and Krishi Sakhi Programme.

What are the major challenges faced by women farmers?

Limited land ownership, lack of access to credit, heavy physical workload, knowledge gaps, and climate vulnerability remain significant challenges.

How do Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) benefit women?

Women-led FPOs help improve market access, strengthen collective bargaining, and support entrepreneurship among women farmers.

What is the significance of 2026 for women farmers?

The United Nations has designated 2026 as the International Year of the Woman Farmer to recognize women's contributions to global food security and sustainable agriculture.

Conclusion

Women farmers are central to India's agricultural growth, food security, and rural economy. Through government initiatives, skill development, access to technology, and stronger institutional support, women are increasingly becoming leaders in sustainable agriculture. Continued investment in education, financial inclusion, modern farming technologies, and market access will help create a more resilient and inclusive agricultural sector for the future.

Interested in building a career in Agriculture? Explore agriculture-focused academic programs, research opportunities, and hands-on learning that prepare the next generation of agricultural professionals and innovators.