Push for Gender Equality in India's Agriculture Sector Gains Momentum

Arun Kumar Panda from CIWA highlighted the disparities faced by women in agriculture and the urgent need for gender-sensitive policies. Only 13.75% of women have land registered in their names, limiting their access to resources. CIWA calls for improved data collection, financial inclusion, and training for women farmers.

In a significant step towards gender equality in India's agricultural sector, the Central Institute for Women in Agriculture (CIWA) emphasized the need for gender-sensitive policies and enhanced support for women farmers. Senior official Arun Kumar Panda highlighted critical disparities faced by women during an interview with PTI on Wednesday.

Panda, who serves as the Head of Division for Gender Family and Community Studies at CIWA, pointed out the stark challenges women encounter in agriculture. For instance, only 13.75% of women have land registered in their names, mainly due to patriarchal family structures, hampering their ability to access loans and other resources. Additionally, extension services crucial for agricultural development predominantly cater to men, with only 18-20% reaching women farmers.

Panda called for a comprehensive approach, urging the collection of gender-disaggregated data to inform policy decisions and enhance women's financial inclusion through better access to finance, cooperatives, and microcredits. He also stressed the need for an increase in the number of women in extension services and promoting gender-sensitive extension services. CIWA remains at the forefront of developing women-friendly agricultural innovations and tools designed to reduce drudgery. Panda concluded by noting the necessity of targeted policies and government investment in training and skill development programmes for women.

(With inputs from agencies.)