Agriculture has always been at the heart of the economy in India. It provides food for millions, sustains the economy in the countryside, and keeps the wheels of the rural economy spinning. For many women in rural India, farming is not only a job, it is a way of life. Today, a vast number of women participate in the agricultural sector, as farmers, as workers, or as businesswomen.

In recognition of their contribution, the United Nations has declared 2026 as the International Year of the Woman Farmer to recognise women contribution in farming. Women are involved in almost every step like in growing crops, taking care of animals, preparing food and selling the products in the markets.

Now, more focus has been given to support women farmers. Efforts are being made to help them get land, proper training, financial help and sell their products. The main aim is not just to include women in farming practice but they also lead it and grow stronger in this field.

Bringing Women Together

A global conference held in March 2026 in New Delhi brought people with different people like farmers, experts, government officials and young innovators. They discussed in the conference how to make agriculture more inclusive, as well as the role that women could play to make agriculture's future more inclusive.

The conference allowed people to discuss ideas such as climate-smart agriculture, technology, and opportunities for women. It also allowed women farmers to share their experiences.

Support Through Schemes and Training

In India, there are various programs that help women farmers to uplift their conditions. Such programs include financial assistance, loans at low interest rates, and training in new techniques of farming.

For instance, there are programs that help farmers construct godowns to store their products and sell them at remunerative prices. Similarly, there are programs that offer financial assistance to farmers or help them obtain loans at low interest rates.

Training programs are also helping women acquire new skills. Such training includes operating drones in farming, beekeeping, cattle rearing, and natural farming. Such skills not only help women farmers to become more productive but also help them earn more.

Power of Working Together

Now, many women are coming together and forming groups, which are called Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs). These organisations help farmers work together as a team, purchasing their products at a better rate.

By working in a group, women become more confident and empowered. It also enables them to make better decisions.

Learning and Innovation

Institutions in India are working to assist women farmers with research and tools. They are developing simple technology to ease women farmers' workload and save time. This includes developing simple farming tools and techniques to grow crops.

They are also educating women farmers on nutrition, climate-responsible farming practices, and ways to earn more by engaging in activities like mushroom farming or backyard poultry farming.

A Real Story of Change

In a small village in Odisha, a woman named Kamini who lived there in the village who struggled to maintain her family with a very small piece of land. Her income was totally depended on farming and her life was full of uncertainties. However, with the help of proper training and support in farming, she started growing vegetables, raising ducks and poultry and improving milk production. Over time, her salary improved and her family became more stable. Today she not only supports her family but encourage and inspires entire women group in the village.

Reaching Every Village

In order to ensure that the knowledge reaches all, women who have been trained to become “Krishi Sakhis” are assisting farmers at the grass-root level. These women leaders help in spreading awareness and assisting communities in adopting good practices.

Moving Towards a Stronger Future

Women are now actively taking part in agriculture and bringing positive change in rural India. With right and improved training, support, opportunities, women are now being confident enough and become self independent. There contribution in agriculture is not only improving farming but also inspiring women and strengthening families, communities and country's food sytem. 

If the effort continues, empowering women will remain essential for creating a more sustainable and secure future for India.