Recognising and Empowering Women Farmers for 2026

Source: The post Recognising and Empowering Women Farmers for 2026 has been created, based on the article “Empowering women in agriculture for food security” published in “The Hindu” on 10th June 2025

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper1-Society-Social empowerment And Agriculture

Context: The United Nations General Assembly has declared 2026 the International Year of the Woman Farmer. This move highlights the essential role of women in agriculture and brings global attention to their challenges, particularly in land rights, financial access, and climate resilience. Empowering Women in Agriculture for Food Security

Critical Role of Women in Agriculture

1. Global and Regional Contributions: Women contribute to nearly half of the global food supply. In developing countries, they account for 60–80% of food production. In South Asia, they form 39% of the agricultural labour force, showing their vital role in the food system.
2. Disparities in Land Ownership: In India, although 80% of economically active women work in agriculture, only 14% own agricultural land. The National Family Health Survey reports even lower female land ownership at 8.3%, reflecting stark inequality.
3. Barriers to Finance and Technology: Without land titles, women struggle to access credit and financial services. Their access to agricultural information is also limited due to lower ownership of mobile phones, affecting planning and technology use. Microfinance and self-help groups help, but loans are often too small for significant investments.
4. Government Support Initiatives: India promotes women farmers through the Mahila Kisan Sashaktikaran Pariyojana, which enhances skills and resource access. The Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanisation offers 50% to 80% machinery subsidies. Additionally, 30% of the National Food Security Mission budget is earmarked for women farmers in several States and Union Territories.

Building Climate Resilience Through Empowerment

1. Gendered Impact of Climate Change: Climate change increases domestic burdens and risks for women. Erratic weather threatens yields. For example, farmers in Assam’s Nagaon district now grow flood-resistant varieties to reduce losses and ensure harvests.
2. Adaptation Through Local Solutions: Projects like ENACT empower women to build climate-resilient farming systems. Community-level models help develop adaptable, sustainable practices based on local knowledge and needs.
3. Technology-Driven Advisory Systems: ENACT connects women with experts via weekly mobile advisories in 17 villages. Climate Adaptation Information Centres support training and meetings, strengthening knowledge and preparedness.
4. Collaborative Networks for Scale: The initiative involves government bodies such as Agriculture, Rural Livelihoods Missions, Meteorology, and Environment departments. Technology partners include agricultural universities that provide climate-resilient crop varieties and technical advice.

Strategies for Sustainability and Nutrition

1. Smart Seed Production and Crop Diversification: Women’s groups manage smart seed systems for flood-resistant and local nutritious crops. This enhances sustainability and food security.
2. Livelihood Diversification and Market Linkages: Market access and income diversification reduce climate-related risks and build financial stability for rural women.
3. Community-Driven Planning: Solutions rooted in community experience ensure better adoption and effective responses to environmental and economic risks.

Recommendations and Future Steps

1. Policy Tailored to Women’s Needs: Gender-disaggregated data should guide tools, finance systems, and policies that suit women’s specific roles in agriculture.
2. Strengthening Women’s Networks and Value Chains: Promoting women-led value chains and self-help groups supports collective strength, financial access, and inclusive growth.
3. Opportunity to Drive Change in 2026: The 2026 declaration offers a unique chance to institutionalise support for women farmers and foster sustainable, gender-equal agriculture.

Question for practice:

Discuss how the 2026 International Year of the Woman Farmer can help address the challenges faced by women in agriculture.