Indian Women Farmers – The Need for Rights, Justice, and Policy Measures

Introduction

Women play a very important role in India’s agricultural sector. However, they still do not receive adequate legal rights, land ownership, and economic recognition. In the context of March 8 – International Women’s Day and the International Year of the Woman Farmer (2026), there is a growing need to focus on the rights and challenges of women farmers in India.

1. Feminisation of Agriculture in India

As men migrate to cities in search of employment, the role of women in agriculture has increased significantly. This trend is known as “Feminisation of Agriculture.”

Women are now playing a key role in activities such as:
• Crop maintenance
• Sowing
• Harvesting
• Ensuring household food security

However, despite their contributions:
• They often do not have land ownership
• They lack official recognition
• Policy support remains limited

2. Land Rights and Legal Challenges

The lack of land ownership is a major barrier for women farmers.

The main reasons include:
• Traditional patrilineal inheritance systems
• Land usually being registered in men’s names
• Lack of legal awareness

As a result, women are often unable to access:
• Bank loans
• Crop insurance
• Government subsidies
• Technical support

Legal reference:
The Hindu Succession (Amendment) Act, 2005 provides equal inheritance rights to women, but it has not yet been fully implemented in practice.

3. Social and Health Challenges Faced by Women Farmers

Women farmers face several social and health-related challenges:

• Heavy physical labour
• Lack of technological facilities
• Inadequate nutrition
• Anaemia and malnutrition
• Health issues among pregnant women and children

These factors lead to problems such as:
• Low birth weight
• Child stunting
• Poor child development

4. Food Security and the Role of Women

Women play a crucial role in household food preparation and nutrition management.

Some important schemes in India supporting this include:
• National Food Security Act, 2013
• Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS)
• POSHAN Abhiyaan
• Public Distribution System (PDS)

However, the role of women farmers is not fully reflected in these programmes.

5. Measures Needed to Empower Women Farmers

Experts suggest several key recommendations:

1. Ensuring Land Rights
Implementing equal inheritance rights for women.

2. Financial and Technical Support
• Bank loans
• Crop insurance
• Technical training

3. Women Collectives and SHGs
Strengthening collective power through Self Help Groups (SHGs).

4. Extension Services
Providing agricultural training and information directly to women farmers.

5. Nutrition and Food Security
Promoting the use of nutri-cereals such as millets and pulses.

6. Policy Linkages

This discussion is connected with several important policies in India:

• National Policy for Farmers (2007)
• Self Help Group – Bank Linkage Programme
• Mahila Kisan Sashaktikaran Pariyojana (MKSP)
• DAY-NRLM (National Rural Livelihood Mission)

Conclusion / Way Forward

India’s agricultural growth and food security are directly linked to the contribution of women farmers. Therefore, providing land rights, financial support, technical training, and policy recognition is essential. If policies are designed with women farmers at the centre, it will lead to equitable and sustainable agricultural development.