The United Nations has designated 2026 as the International Year of the Woman Farmers to highlight the vital and indispensable role of women in global agriculture and rural economies.
Current Status of Women in Agriculture
- Feminization of Agriculture: The rural Female Labour Force Participation Rate (FLPR) rose significantly from 41.5% in 2022-23 to 47.6% in 2023-24.
- Workforce Profile: Among rural women in agriculture, 33% work as agricultural labourers, while 48% to 50% operate as self-employed farmers.
- Land Ownership: Women hold only 12.8% to 14% of operational agricultural landholdings.
- Challenges faced by Women Farmers
- The Recognition Gap: State administrative databases use land revenue titles as the primary "source of truth" to define a farmer.
- Exclusion from Welfare Schemes: Women constitute only 23% to 25% of PM-KISAN beneficiaries nationwide.
- Technology Deficit: Women receive less than 20% of agricultural extension advisory services, restricting their exposure to modern mechanization.
- Market Barriers: Restricted mobility, social constraints, lower literacy prevent women from directly accessing value chains.
- Worker-Owner Dichotomy: Women perform the bulk of field labour and farm decisions, yet lack formal ownership rights in formal cooperatives and markets.
Best Practices
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