Despite playing a significant role in Indian agriculture, the contributions of rural women often go unrecognized. While their participation in the workforce is increasing, concerted and sustained efforts are required to enable women to play a decisive role in advancing Indian agriculture and the country’s economy.
A growing number of rural women are now assuming roles as entrepreneurs, cultivators, and laborers. Integrating rural women into the workforce can bring about a transformative shift, ensuring food security and the preservation of local agro-biodiversity.
A McKinsey study suggests that rural women entrepreneurs could contribute $1 trillion to the Indian economy, thus leveling the playing field for themselves. Furthermore, India has 432 million working-age women, with 13.5-15.7 million women-owned businesses that directly employ 22-27 million people.
However, rural women in agriculture continue to face challenges in several areas. Despite making significant contributions, they are unable to fully benefit from their efforts due to their low social status. Lack of education and gender equality further impede their progress, while the global food and economic crisis exacerbate their challenges. Oxfam’s factsheet highlights that in India, 170 million women work in agriculture, producing 60-80 percent of the nation’s food, yet only 13 percent have property rights.
The Indian government has initiated programs such as the Mahila Kisan Sashaktikaran Pariyojana (MKSP) and the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-National Rural Livelihood Mission to train women in skill development, agriculture, and entrepreneurship.
While these schemes have been helpful, more must be done to ensure that women in agriculture have access to institutional credit, new technologies, and infrastructure. Consequently, government aid is crucial in attracting more rural women to engage in agri-entrepreneurship and making this sector self-sustaining.
The following are some ways in which the government can provide assistance:
- Financial Support: The government can offer financial aid in the form of loans, grants, and subsidies to rural women seeking to start agri-entrepreneurship ventures. This assistance will help them overcome financial barriers and establish their businesses.
- Skill Development: The government can provide training and skill development programs specifically tailored for rural women interested in agri-entrepreneurship. These programs can cover topics such as business management, marketing, and agricultural practices. Organizing these programs at the village level would enhance accessibility for rural women.
- Infrastructure Development: Investment in infrastructure development, including cold storage facilities, processing units, and marketing outlets, is essential. Such investments will create opportunities for rural women to add value to their agricultural products and sell them at better prices.
- Policy Support: The government can formulate policies that promote and support agri-entrepreneurship among rural women. These policies may include tax incentives, streamlined regulatory processes, and encouragement of women’s participation in decision-making bodies.
- Networking Opportunities: The government can facilitate networking opportunities for rural women to connect with other women entrepreneurs, government officials, and industry experts. Such networking can foster knowledge-sharing, partnerships, and access to new markets.
- Technological Adoption: Technology can have a transformative impact on the lives of rural women entrepreneurs running micro, small, and medium enterprises in rural and semi-urban areas. By providing faster access to financial and marketing information, technology can significantly benefit them. The government can organize seminars or camps to familiarize rural women with technology, and the use of smartphones can be encouraged.
Empowering women entrepreneurs can unlock the full potential of half of India’s population, leading to sustainable economic growth and poverty reduction. With adequate support and resources, this can become a powerful catalyst for economic and social progress in India.
