Empowering Women Farmers in India’s Agriculture Sector

India continues to protect its agriculture sector from external pressures. Yet, the plight of women farmers remains a critical issue. Women form part of the agricultural workforce but face systemic barriers. Recognising their role and addressing policy gaps is essential for the sector’s growth and equity.

Women’s Role in Indian Agriculture

Women constitute about 40% of the agricultural workforce. Nearly 80% of women in the economy engage in agricultural activities. They perform tasks like sowing, weeding, harvesting, and livestock management. Despite this, women are often invisible in official records and policy frameworks. Their contributions are vital but under-recognised.

Land Ownership and Its Impact

Less than 10% of women farmers own the land they cultivate. Most work on land owned by male relatives. This lack of ownership limits their access to government schemes and extension services. Farms managed by women are 20% less productive due to these constraints. Land ownership is directly linked to decision-making power and access to resources.

Challenges Faced by Women Farmers

Patriarchal norms restrict women from discussing land and farming issues with officials. Women often lose land rights to male family members. They face difficulties in hiring labour, buying inputs, and accessing markets. This limits their ability to negotiate fair prices and improve farm income. The absence of agency affects productivity and empowerment.

Successful Models of Women’s Collective Action

Collective action has proven effective in empowering women farmers. The Andhra Pradesh Community Managed Natural Farming programme thrives on women’s cooperation. In Gujarat, the Working Group for Women and Land Ownership has helped women assert their identity as farmers. Cooperatives and farmer producer organisations amplify women’s voices and negotiating power.

Policy Recommendations for Inclusion

Agricultural policies must be gender-sensitive. Women need training through Krishi Vigyan Kendras and Agricultural Management Extension Training Institutes. The Drone Didi initiative can help women use technology like drones for farming tasks. Land records should mandate inclusion of women’s names to secure ownership rights. Empowering women with skills and ownership will boost productivity and agency.

Women and Livestock Management

Women predominantly manage livestock, which impacts hygiene and yield. The Amul cooperative model shows improved animal care when women are involved. Better livestock management increases milk production and other outputs. Recognising women’s role in livestock is essential for holistic agricultural development.

Bridging the Gender Gap in Agriculture

Farming progress depends on addressing gender disparities. Women’s invisibility in policy and ownership must end. Providing access to resources, markets, and technology will enhance their contributions. Gender-inclusive reforms will strengthen rural economies and food security.

Questions for UPSC:

1. Critically analyse the impact of land ownership patterns on women’s empowerment in Indian agriculture with suitable examples.
2. Explain the role of women in livestock management and its significance in rural economies. How can policy reforms enhance this role?
3. What are the challenges faced by women farmers in accessing agricultural extension services? Comment on the effectiveness of collective action in overcoming these challenges.
4. Underline the importance of gender-sensitive agricultural policies in India. How can technological interventions like the Drone Didi scheme contribute to women’s empowerment in farming?

Answer Hints:

1. Critically analyse the impact of land ownership patterns on women’s empowerment in Indian agriculture with suitable examples.

1. Less than 10% of women farmers own the land they cultivate, limiting their recognition as farmers.
2. Land ownership is directly linked to access to government schemes, credit, and extension services.
3. Women working on male relatives’ land lack decision-making power and agency in farm management.
4. Patriarchal norms and family dynamics often lead to women losing land rights to male members.
5. Example – Gujarat’s Working Group for Women and Land Ownership helps women assert land rights and identity.
6. Without land ownership, women-run farms are 20% less productive, showing economic and empowerment impacts.

2. Explain the role of women in livestock management and its significance in rural economies. How can policy reforms enhance this role?

1. Women predominantly manage livestock tasks such as feeding, hygiene, and healthcare.
2. Better livestock hygiene under women’s care leads to higher yields, e.g., Amul’s improved milk production.
3. Livestock management provides women with income and strengthens rural livelihoods.
4. Policy reforms can provide training, credit, and extension services tailored for women livestock managers.
5. Inclusion of women in cooperatives and producer organisations enhances their bargaining power.
6. Technology and capacity-building initiatives can improve livestock productivity and women’s empowerment.

3. What are the challenges faced by women farmers in accessing agricultural extension services? Comment on the effectiveness of collective action in overcoming these challenges.

1. Women are often invisible in official records due to lack of land ownership, excluding them from extension services.
2. Patriarchal restrictions limit women’s interaction with government officials and access to information.
3. Women face difficulties in hiring labor, purchasing inputs, and accessing markets independently.
4. Collective action, such as cooperatives and farmer producer organisations, amplifies women’s voices and negotiating power.
5. Examples like Andhra Pradesh Community Managed Natural Farming show success through women’s collective efforts.
6. Collectives help women overcome social barriers and improve access to resources and markets.

4. Underline the importance of gender-sensitive agricultural policies in India. How can technological interventions like the Drone Didi scheme contribute to women’s empowerment in farming?

1. Gender-sensitive policies recognize women as farmers, ensuring inclusion in schemes, credit, and land records.
2. Such policies address patriarchal barriers and promote women’s land ownership and decision-making roles.
3. Training through Krishi Vigyan Kendras and extension institutes builds women’s capacity and skills.
4. The Drone Didi scheme enables women farmer groups to use drone technology for sowing, spraying, and monitoring.
5. Technology adoption increases productivity, reduces labor burden, and enhances women’s agency in farming.
6. Overall, gender-sensitive reforms combined with technology boost productivity and economic empowerment of women farmers.