President Droupadi Murmu has called for greater participation of women in policy formation and decision making within the agri-food sector, highlighting the crucial role women play in agriculture and rural economies.

She emphasised that women farmers must be given stronger representation in policy discussions to ensure that agricultural development is inclusive and sustainable.

The President’s remarks focused on the need for systemic support and institutional recognition of women’s contributions to agriculture.

Importance of Women in Agriculture

Women form a significant portion of the agricultural workforce in India, contributing to various stages of food production.

Their roles include:

• Crop cultivation and harvesting
• Livestock management
• Food processing and storage
• Farm management and labour

Despite their significant contribution, women farmers often lack recognition as primary agricultural stakeholders, which limits their access to resources and policy benefits.

President Murmu stressed that empowering women in agriculture would strengthen food systems and rural economies.

Need for Policy-Level Representation

The President highlighted that women must not only participate in agriculture but also influence agricultural policies.

According to her, stronger participation in decision-making bodies, policy forums, and agricultural institutions will ensure that women’s challenges and perspectives are properly addressed.

Policy inclusion can help improve:

• Agricultural productivity
• Food security
• Rural livelihoods

Greater representation will also ensure that policies reflect ground realities faced by women farmers.

Challenges Faced by Women Farmers

President Murmu pointed out several structural challenges that women farmers face, which often limit their growth and financial stability.

These include:

• Limited ownership of agricultural land
• Restricted access to financial resources
• Lack of technical training and agricultural knowledge

These barriers prevent women farmers from fully benefiting from government schemes, credit facilities, and technological innovations.

Call for Land Rights for Women

One of the major issues highlighted by the President was the lack of land titles in the names of women farmers.

Land ownership is important because it determines access to credit, subsidies, insurance, and government support programs.

Without legal land titles, many women farmers are unable to access institutional support systems.

President Murmu stressed that improving land ownership rights for women can significantly strengthen their economic independence.

Access to Technical Knowledge

The President also called for greater access to technical knowledge and training for women farmers.

Modern agriculture increasingly depends on:

• Advanced farming techniques
• Climate-resilient crop practices
• Digital agriculture technologies

Ensuring women receive proper training can help them improve productivity and adopt sustainable agricultural practices.

Improving Access to Institutional Finance

Another key issue raised by the President was the limited access of women farmers to institutional finance.

Many women rely on informal credit sources, which often come with higher risks and costs.

She emphasised the importance of targeted financial programs and credit support specifically designed for women farmers.

Access to affordable finance would help women:

• Invest in modern farming equipment
• Expand agricultural operations
• Improve farm productivity and income

Strengthening the Agri-Food System

President Murmu highlighted that empowering women in agriculture is not just a social issue but an economic necessity.

Stronger participation of women can contribute to:

• Improved agricultural productivity
• Better food security
• Inclusive rural development

A more inclusive agri-food system would also support sustainable growth and resilience in India’s agricultural sector.

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