Strategies to Increase Female Involvement in Farming Sector
In India, women make up nearly 43% of the global agricultural workforce, yet they face numerous barriers such as limited access to land, finance, technology, and decision-making opportunities. To address these challenges and empower women in agriculture, improvements are needed across four key areas: land access, financial services, education, and cooperatives.
Land Access
Reforming land rights is crucial to enable women to own and control land, as currently only 12.8% of operational landholdings are managed by women (FAO, 2021). Encouraging government policy adjustments that promote gender equality in land ownership and management rights is essential. Supporting women-led Self-Help Groups (SHGs) that manage communal resources and land, as seen in Andhra Pradesh’s successful natural farming initiatives, can also be beneficial (Earth5R, 2025).
Financial Services
Expanding targeted credit programs for women farmers is necessary, considering that only 10% of agricultural loans currently go to women (FAO, 2021). Developing innovative financing instruments such as blended finance, credit guarantees, and social success notes can unlock affordable access to green technologies and mechanization. Increasing women’s access to formal microfinance has shown to significantly improve rural women’s livelihoods (JISEM Journal, 2025).
Education
Providing gender-sensitive agricultural extension services and training that integrate women’s traditional knowledge with modern sustainable practices is essential. Scaling up peer-to-peer education models and capacity-building initiatives through women-led SHGs can enhance skills in regenerative agriculture and eco-entrepreneurship. Educating women not only in farming techniques but also in finance management can improve overall household nutrition and food security (Lancet, 2021; World Bank, 2023).
Cooperatives and Institutions
Promoting women’s leadership within Self-Help Groups and Farmer Producer Organizations can strengthen collective bargaining power. Fostering the development of women-led eco-enterprises such as compost production, organic inputs, food processing, and sustainable textile ventures can enhance income diversification and resilience. Integrating cooperatives with access to technology and mechanization, supported by government schemes and green energy solutions like solar-powered processing equipment, is also beneficial (CGAP, 2025).
By addressing these structural barriers through integrated land reforms, tailored financial instruments, accessible education, and strengthening cooperatives, women farmers in India can gain equitable resource access and decision-making power. This will boost their productivity, income, and role in sustainable agriculture and food security.
Ensuring that women have legitimate rights to own and acquire land would provide them with greater financial opportunities and security. Women-only cooperatives can aid in fostering confidence and creating an environment where women feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and experiences. Governments, NGOs, and the private sector must work together to break down the barriers preventing women from achieving their full potential in agriculture.
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