A law to give women farmers their due, Pg11

Key Highlights:

• Maharashtra has enacted the Maharashtra Women Farmers Empowerment Act, 2026, becoming the first state in India to pass such a law.
• The Act aims to empower women farmers by formally recognizing their contributions and addressing existing inequalities.
• A central feature is the Woman Farmer Certificate (WFC), which de-links access to government benefits and entitlements from land ownership.
• The year 2026 is being observed as the International Year of the Woman Farmer, advocating for fairer and more inclusive agrifood systems.

Detailed Insights:

• Women farmers globally perform significant work across agrifood systems but often lack recognition and face challenges in accessing credit, insurance, and markets.
• Government benefits are frequently tied to land ownership, which is predominantly held by men, thereby disadvantaging women farmers.
• Maharashtra's Fourth Policy for Women, 2024 had already committed to facilitating gender-inclusive agriculture development, including land access and control.
• According to the Periodic Labour Force Survey, 2025, 82% of the rural female workforce in Maharashtra is employed in agriculture.
• Despite high participation, less than one-fifth of operational landholdings in Maharashtra are registered in the names of women.
• The M S Swaminathan Research Foundation (MSSRF) and Vidhi Centre for Legal Policy (Maharashtra) were key partners in drafting the legislation.
• The Act adopts a broad definition of "agriculture" and "farmer," consistent with the National Policy for Farmers (2007).
• The Woman Farmer Certificate (WFC) will provide women farmers with greater access to government schemes, extension services, credit, and market opportunities.
• Implementation will be facilitated by a digital registry, a special fund, a state-level empowerment cell, and designated officers at various administrative levels.
• A state-level monitoring committee headed by the chief secretary and a governing council led by the chief minister will oversee the Act's effective implementation.
• This landmark law addresses deeply entrenched inequalities and acknowledges women's critical role in ensuring food and nutrition security amidst climate change challenges.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Maharashtra Women Farmers Empowerment Act, 2026: A pioneering state law in India to formally recognize and empower women farmers, ensuring access to benefits irrespective of land ownership.
• Woman Farmer Certificate (WFC): An official document that formally recognizes a woman as a farmer, enabling access to government schemes and services without requiring land title.
• Agrifood systems: The entire range of activities involved in food production, processing, distribution, and consumption, from farm to table.
• Gender-responsive schemes: Government programs and policies specifically designed to address the unique needs and challenges faced by women, promoting gender equality.