Gender equality in farming: How interim Budget empowers women in Indian agriculture

Union Minister for Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare and Tribal Affairs Arjun Munda emphasised that the interim budget mirrors the advancement of the nation’s farmers, impoverished women and youth. He asserted that the Government of India remains steadfast in its commitment to their development. Munda highlighted the diverse initiatives undertaken by the Central government, expressing confidence that they will significantly enhance the quality of life for our farmers. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has unequivocally declared that addressing the needs, aspirations, and well-being of the underprivileged, women, youth and farmers stands as a top priority. The ethos of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas and Sabka Prayas resonates throughout the interim budget. In the Interim Budget, the allocation for the agriculture ministry in 2024–25 has been set at Rs1.27 lakh crore, exhibiting an increase from the revised estimates of Rs1.16 lakh crore in 2023–24 and the budget estimates of Rs1.15 lakh crore for the same period. The budget underscores a commitment to intensify initiatives focused on value addition in the agricultural sector, enhancing the role of women and increasing farmers’ incomes. The pivotal role of women in agriculture is increasingly being recognised as a driving force behind India’s agrarian economy. As per the Annual Periodic Labour Force Survey 2021–2022, agriculture has the highest estimated female labour force participation of 62.9 per cent. This numerical prominence underscores the indispensable contribution of women to the entire agricultural value chain. Women find themselves stepping into more significant roles, particularly among small and marginal farmers. The Agriculture Census 2015-16 also verified an increase in the number of operational holdings held by women to nearly 14 per cent. While the advent of mechanisation has brought about shifts in traditional agricultural practices and the introduction of gender-sensitive labour laws has undoubtedly marked progress, women still bear the brunt of labour-intensive tasks rooted in gender inequalities. The feminization of agriculture, coupled with biases ingrained in rural development reflects a global concern. The unequal distribution of resources, especially land, continues to hinder women’s access to improved agricultural methods. Globally, the disparities experienced by women in the face of economic changes call for active public policies aimed at closing these gender gaps. The NITI Aayog has already acknowledged the need for female-centric agriculture progress. The Government of India has implemented several initiatives to support and empower women farmers in agriculture. Recognising the pivotal role played by women in various aspects of farming, the government has introduced specific schemes and policies aimed at enhancing their participation and well-being. In a bid to empower and support women farmers in India, the government has rolled out a series of initiatives aimed at enhancing their participation and well-being in the agricultural sector. The Central Institute for Women in Agriculture (CIWA), situated in Bhubaneswar under the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), is at the forefront of gender-focused agricultural research. Through its All India Coordinated Research Project Centres (AICRP), CIWA collaborates with 13 research centres nationwide to identify challenges faced by farm women. Research activities conducted by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research-Central Institute for Women in Agriculture (ICAR-CIWA) on a national and state level have identified critical issues affecting women in agriculture. These challenges range from drudgery in farming activities, occupational health hazards, and a lack of women-friendly farm tools to issues like inadequate technical knowledge, climate change impacts, and anaemia prevalence. To address these concerns, ICAR-CIWA has taken significant steps. The institute has introduced ergonomically designed gender-friendly tools, including the Head Load Manager, cycle weeder, easy harvest bag, maize sheller, sapling transplanter, UV protective farm apron, and paddy grain picker. These tools aim to enhance comfort, increase efficiency, and boost production for farm women. ICAR-CIWA has also established women-led small-scale custom hiring centres in Odisha, involving members of self-help groups (SHGs), focusing on reducing drudgery and fostering entrepreneurship. Resource centres on “Ergonomic Agricultural Small Tools and Implements” have been set up in AICRP-adopted villages across 12 states to disseminate knowledge. Sensitization programmes continuously raise awareness about government schemes in agriculture and allied sectors, empowering farm women. Farm Women Knowledge Groups have been formed, conducting intervention programmes to impart knowledge and skills in using ICT, especially mobile applications, for agriculture. Capacity-building programmes are organised to popularise women-friendly technologies, cover marketing aspects, and promote the approach of SHGs and women groups. ICAR-CIWA has developed 18 nutri-dense food products, including high-calorie, high-protein, and micronutrient-rich convenience mixes, and initiated the “Nutri Smart Villages” programme in 75 villages nationwide to combat undernutrition. The institute launched Shree Anna (Millet) Gramme, a nationwide initiative to mainstream millets in lifestyle, and developed apps on reproductive health care and effective renting. Parenting Index for Rural Families (PIRF) and an Intervention Package on “Effective Parenting of Young Children” were created and assessed for efficacy. ICAR-CIWA has implemented various interventions through crop-based modules, vermicompost, horticulture, dairy and vegetable production, apiary, mushroom production, nutritional gardening, goatery, poultry, duckery, fodder and livestock modules. These efforts aim to promote economic returns and livelihood security for women engaged in agriculture. The Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare (DAFW) conducted three significant studies to understand the specific needs of women in agriculture. These studies cover diverse aspects, such as the adoption of gender-friendly tools (GFTs) to reduce drudgery, schemes to improve women farmers’ access to extension services, and issues related to credit availability through Kisan Credit Cards. The recommendations from these studies emphasise disseminating success stories, promoting GFTs, and providing gender-disaggregated data for lending to women farmers. The government is implementing various schemes and programmes for farmers and agripreneurs, with a specific focus on women farmers. These schemes, including Support to State Extension Programmes for Extension Reforms (ATMA), National Food Security Mission (NFSM), National Mission on Oilseed and Oil Palm (NMOOP), Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanisation (SMAM), and Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH), encourage states and implementing agencies to allocate funds for women farmers. The Central Sector Scheme Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) aims to provide financial assistance to landholding farmer families, including women farmers. The recently approved ‘Namo Drone Didi’ scheme, with an outlay of Rs 1,261 crore, plans to provide training to 30,000 women from 15,000 selected Women Self Help Groups (SHGs) on using drones for agricultural purposes. The Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD) is actively implementing Mahila Kisan Sashaktikaran Pariyojana (MKSP) under the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana—National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM). This programme systematically invests in enhancing women’s participation and productivity and creating sustainable livelihoods for rural women. The mission promotes agricultural enterprises and conducts training programmes like the Krishi Sakhis initiative to encourage women’s active involvement in natural farming. With 731 Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) established across the country, the ICAR plays a crucial role in technology assessment, demonstration, and capacity building for farmers. KVKs organise training programmes specifically for farm women, focusing on various agricultural topics. The government’s multifaceted approach aims to promote women’s involvement in decision-making processes related to farming and ensure equitable access to resources. These targeted measures underscore the Government of India’s commitment to uplifting and strengthening the position of women farmers, recognising their indispensable contribution to the agricultural sector. In the realm of sustainable agricultural development, a paradigm shift is imperative. It necessitates a transformation in the mindset of policymakers, government functionaries, extension workers, researchers, and students alike. Creating awareness about gender roles and shedding light on the nuanced issues in sustainable agriculture is paramount. Equipping individuals with knowledge of sustainable development in the context of gender and agriculture is a vital step forward. Capacity-building initiatives in gender research within the agricultural sector will pave the way for a more inclusive and equitable future. The fields, once considered male-dominated territories, are now witnessing the indomitable spirit of women breaking through barriers. As we envision the future of Indian agriculture, let us strive for a landscape where every woman’s contribution is acknowledged, her rights are upheld, and gender equality becomes the cornerstone of sustainable development in this vital sector. It’s time that women get their credit as active farmers and managers on their own farms rather than merely remaining as labourers. Simran Bhardwaj is an Indian Police Service (IPS) Probationer 2022 Batch and Sumit Kaushik is a PhD candidate at OP Jindal Global University and a social impact consultant. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstpost’s views. 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