Maharashtra Launches Women Farmers Certificates on October 2, 2026
Maharashtra's new Women Farmer's Empowerment Act aims to recognize women in agriculture, regardless of land ownership.
Women Farmers Certificates to be issued from October 2, 2026.
Women constitute 60% of the agricultural workforce but hold only 15% of land titles.
The Act aims to redefine 'farmer' to include all agricultural contributors.
On October 2, 2026, Maharashtra will commence the issuance of Women Farmers Certificates under the newly enacted Women Farmer’s Empowerment Act. This legislation is designed to formally recognize women involved in agriculture and related activities as farmers, even if they do not own the land they work on.
The need for this initiative arises from the increasing feminization of agriculture, where women are taking on more responsibilities as men shift to non-farm jobs. Despite their significant contributions, women often lack control over resources and decision-making power, primarily due to their limited access to land titles. National statistics reveal that while women make up nearly 60% of the agricultural workforce, they possess less than 15% of land ownership. In Maharashtra, 82% of rural women are engaged in agriculture, yet they only manage about 15.5% of operational farmland.
The Women Farmer’s Empowerment Act aims to address these disparities by broadening the definition of a farmer to include anyone engaged in agricultural activities, thereby recognizing the diverse roles women play in the sector. The Act also establishes a Women Farmer Empowerment Cell and a monitoring committee to oversee its implementation, ensuring that women farmers can access necessary resources and support.
Maharashtra's proactive approach in empowering women farmers has been demonstrated through various initiatives, including the Mahila Kisan Sashaktikaran Pariyojana, which has successfully improved the livelihoods of women in agrarian distress. The new Act is expected to enhance access to training in climate-resilient practices, thereby improving productivity and nutrition for rural women.
As the state prepares to issue the first Women Farmers Certificates, the focus will shift to effective implementation. Ensuring that women farmers can leverage these certificates to access credit, insurance, and government schemes will be crucial for transforming their status in agriculture. The success of this initiative could serve as a model for other states, promoting gender equity in agriculture across India.
