More women employed in agriculture, but half of them are unpaid, Pg7

Key Highlights:

• Women's employment in agriculture has surged by 135% in the past decade, now comprising over 42% of the sector's workforce.
• Nearly half of the women in agriculture are unpaid family workers, increasing 2.5 times in eight years to 59.1 million.
• Agriculture's share of the national GVA fell from 15.3% in 2017-18 to 14.4% in 2024-25, despite increased women's participation.
• The India-U.K. Free Trade Agreement (FTA) is projected to boost Indian agricultural exports by 20% within three years.

Detailed Insights:

• Structural shifts have drawn rural men into non-farm jobs, leading to women replacing them in agricultural work, but this has not translated into economic empowerment due to systemic inequities.
• Women own only 13-14% of land holdings and earn 20-30% less than men for equivalent work, limiting their access to credit, government support, and decision-making power.
• Global trade trends, like the India-U.K. FTA, offer opportunities for women's economic inclusion through export-oriented value chains, particularly in sectors like rice, spices, and dairy.
• Digital innovations such as e-NAM, mobile-based advisory services, and precision agriculture tools can connect women to markets and financial services, but require addressing digital literacy and access barriers.
• Promising models like Odisha’s Swayam Sampurna FPOs and L&T Finance’s Digital Sakhi programme demonstrate how technology and training can empower women farmers and improve their competitiveness.
• Land and labor reforms are crucial to recognize women as independent farmers by promoting joint or individual land ownership, strengthening their eligibility for credit and institutional support.

Key Concepts Involved:

• GVA (Gross Value Added): A measure of the total value of goods and services produced in an economy, excluding taxes and subsidies.
• FTA (Free Trade Agreement): An agreement between two or more countries to reduce or eliminate trade barriers, such as tariffs and quotas.
• FPO (Farmer Producer Organisation): A group of farmers who collectively organize and manage their agricultural production and marketing activities.