In a landmark resolution, the United Nations General Assembly has declared 2026 as the International Year of the Woman Farmer to acknowledge and amplify the crucial role played by women in global agriculture. The initiative aims to highlight gender disparities in land ownership, technology access, market participation, and agricultural policy benefits—especially in developing countries where women contribute significantly to food production and rural economies.
Why in News?
The UN General Assembly officially declared 2026 as the International Year of the Woman Farmer. The move aims to draw global attention to women’s contributions and challenges in agriculture, and promote gender-equitable policies. It holds particular significance for countries like India, where ~80% of economically active women work in agriculture but own just 8.3% of farmland.
Women in Global Agriculture: Key Stats
- Women contribute to ~50% of the global food supply.
- In developing countries, they produce 60–80% of food.
- In India, ~80% of economically active women are in agriculture.
- However, only 8.3% own farmland (NFHS), and 76.95% rural women are engaged in agri-work (PLFS 2023–24).
Challenges Faced by Women Farmers
- Double Burden: Managing both agricultural and household responsibilities.
- Limited Land Ownership: Restricts access to credit, schemes, and decision-making.
- Digital Divide: ~51% of rural women 15+ years don’t own a mobile (NSO data), limiting access to advisories.
- Climate Vulnerability: Women bear the brunt of climate impacts, especially in drought- and flood-prone areas.
- Insufficient Financing: Microfinance exists but lacks scale for long-term investments.
Government Initiatives Supporting Women Farmers
- Mahila Kisan Sashaktikaran Pariyojana: Builds skills and improves access to resources.
- Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanisation: Offers 50–80% subsidy on tools/machinery.
- National Food Security Mission: Allocates 30% of funds for women in some States/UTs.
Case Study: ENACT Project (Assam)
- Jointly run by World Food Programme, Govt. of Assam, funded by Norway.
- Uses mobile phones to deliver weekly climate advisories.
- Empowers women through climate-resilient crops, smart seed systems, and information centres.
- Promotes collaboration with state departments and agricultural universities.
Policy Recommendations for the Way Forward
- Gender-Sensitive Policy Design: Use sex-disaggregated data; tailor schemes to women’s needs.
- Improved Access to Resources: Land, credit, irrigation, tech, and weather updates.
- Support Women-led Agri Value Chains: Promote SHGs, cooperatives, and market access.
- Capacity Building and Social Change: Involve women in planning, decision-making, and leadership.
- Break Gender Biases: Recognize and formalize women’s role in agriculture.
- Eg.: Maharashtra’s Kisan Sakhi groups led by women promote market visibility and leadership.
Significance
Recognizing women farmers in 2026 will,
- Push for inclusive growth and gender equality.
- Help build climate-resilient food systems.
- Address structural inequalities in agricultural economies.
- Increase global food security and rural livelihoods.