Push for Women’s Farmer Status in India Gains Momentum as Center Faces Calls for Review

In India, there’s a growing momentum advocating for women to be recognized as farmers, prompting calls for the government to re-evaluate and consider granting them official farmer status.

Both the government and private sectors have played significant roles in enhancing financial security for women, particularly those from underprivileged backgrounds. Initiatives such as Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana (PMMY), and Mahila Shakti Kendra (MSK) by the government, alongside specialized schemes from the private sector, have been pivotal in providing financial independence and security to women.

However, despite their active participation in agriculture and allied activities, women in rural areas often remain unrecognized as farmers, facing challenges in accessing resources, credit, and benefits available to their male counterparts.

Advocates argue that granting official farmer status to women would not only acknowledge their crucial role in agriculture but also empower them with access to institutional support, government schemes, and market opportunities.

This call for reconsideration gains significance as it aligns with broader efforts to empower women economically and bridge gender disparities in rural India. Recognizing women as farmers could unlock avenues for their socio-economic upliftment and contribute to the overall growth and development of rural communities.