Decoding Women's Transformative Role In Indian Agriculture Sector

The importance of Nari Shakti in our society goes beyond the realm of doubt. They are the harbinger of hope and the fulcrum of positive changes. They play multifaceted roles that are integral to the functioning and progress of communities worldwide. Women contribute significantly to the economy, education, healthcare, and social cohesion. 

Beyond their roles as caregivers and nurturers, women are leaders, innovators, and agents of change in various fields. Empowering women leads to improved family well-being, better health outcomes, and increased economic prosperity.

International Women’s Day 2024 is aptly themed on ‘Inspire Inclusion’ to forge a better world. A more inclusive world for women means sustainable metamorphosis across diverse sectors – health, education, agriculture, defence, research, innovation and so on. Moreover, gender diversity fosters creativity, leading to more inclusive and sustainable solutions to complex problems. Recognizing and promoting the rights, talents, and potential of women not only enhances their well-being but also benefits society as a whole, contributing to a more equitable and prosperous world.

What thrills me more than anything else is the transformative role women are playing in agriculture and allied sectors. They are, in fact, the backbone of our food security and supply chain. From field to research centres, they are adding resilience to farm practices. 

Traditionally underrepresented in the sector, they are increasingly leveraging technology-driven solutions to overcome barriers and enhance their productivity. Through access to mobile phones, internet connectivity, and agricultural apps, women farmers are gaining valuable information on weather patterns, market prices, and innovative farming techniques.

Technological advancements such as precision agriculture, drones, and smart irrigation systems are enabling women to optimise resource use, increase crop yields, and mitigate the impacts of climate change. Digital platforms and e-commerce avenues empower women to directly market their produce, reducing middlemen and increasing their profits. By embracing technology-driven solutions, women in agriculture are not only improving their economic prospects but also contributing to the resilience and sustainability of agricultural systems worldwide.

They are the most pivotal cog in our agricultural wheel and their contributions span every aspect of farming, from planting and nurturing crops to managing livestock and processing agricultural products. 

As per the Census 2011 conducted by the Registrar General of India, the total number of women farmers as cultivators is 3.60 crore and agricultural labour are 6.15 crore in the country. As per the Annual Periodic Labour Force Survey, 2021-2022, agriculture has the highest estimated female labour force participation of 62.9 per cent.

Innovation and Agri-entrepreneurship Development under Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY-RAFTAAR) is promoting innovation and agri-entrepreneurship among women by providing financial support and nurturing the incubation ecosystem. Over 173 women startups and entrepreneurs have been supported under the programme so far.

Given the fact that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is very particular about women’s empowerment, several enabling measures such as Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao Abhiyan and Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana have been initiated to ensure that women head change, which is in sync with the fact that when women thrive, not only does the nation prosper, but the entire world prospers. 

Under the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) scheme, over Rs 57,628 crore has been disbursed to more than three crore women beneficiaries (as of June 2023). A laudable effort is on to deploy 15,000 drones and make 'Drone Didis' out of women SHGs under the Pradhan Mantri Mahila Kisan Drone Kendras initiative.

As wholesome inclusive empowerment of women is central to Prime Minister Modi’s vision of Nari Shakti, over 13 crore tap water connections in rural households signify a considerable stride, with several States and Union Territories achieving Har Ghar Nal Se Jal status, ensuring 100 per cent coverage. Over 10 lakh women have received training in using field safety kits for adequate water supply. Over 9.8 crore LPG connections under PM Ujjwala Yojana have freed women from respiratory illnesses.

 Swachh Bharat Mission’s impact with over 11 crore toilets constructed has ensured dignity and safety for women. Under the SAUBHAGYA scheme, over 2.86 crore electricity connections have illuminated rural areas, rendering kerosene lamps a thing of the past. The PM Mudra Yojana has supported over 29 crore women entrepreneurs. Moreover, the PM Jan Dhan Yojana has significantly increased financial inclusion, creating over 50 crore bank accounts, with over 27 crore female beneficiaries.

It is equally heartening to note here that several State governments are making concerted efforts to bolster female factors in agriculture. The Haryana government has proposed a start-up fund of Rs 10 crore to promote drone manufacturing in the state. The state government intends to train 5,000 sisters called ‘Drone Didi’ of 500 women self-help groups (SHGs) during 2024-25 in drone operations and maintenance. One drone will be provided to SHGs. 

The state government is also in the process of providing training in drone operations to 500 youth farmers through DRISHYA, a state government enterprise. To date, 100 farmers have been trained and provided drone pilot licenses.

As women's roles in agriculture are multifaceted and indispensable, they need to be taken care of with every possible support. Their expertise, resilience, and hard work are fundamental to the success and sustainability of agricultural systems not only in India but worldwide. 

Recognising and supporting women's key role in agriculture is essential for ensuring food security, poverty alleviation and rural development. As such, empowering women in agriculture and providing them with equal access to resources, education, and opportunities, is crucial for building resilient and thriving agricultural communities.

The author of the article is Susheel Kumar, Country Head and Managing Director, Syngenta India.