The Maharashtra government is set to introduce a groundbreaking law that will formally recognize women engaged in agricultural and allied activities as farmers, even if they do not own land. The proposed legislation aims to empower millions of women in the state by providing them with a farmer certificate, enabling access to credit, insurance, government programs, and market opportunities.
Key Provisions of the Law
According to officials, the certificate will be issued to any woman involved in farming, horticulture, animal husbandry, fisheries, or other allied sectors. The move is expected to benefit over 30 lakh women farmers across Maharashtra. The law is inspired by the recommendations of the M.S. Swaminathan Commission, which emphasized the need to recognize women as farmers to enhance their economic status.
Soumya Swaminathan, daughter of the renowned agricultural scientist, stated, "This law will be a game-changer for rural women. It will give them identity, dignity, and access to resources that were previously out of reach."
Impact on Women's Livelihood
Currently, many women work on family farms but are not recognized as farmers, limiting their ability to obtain loans or insurance. The new law will change this by allowing them to apply for Kisan Credit Cards, crop insurance, and subsidies under various state and central schemes. Additionally, it will help them participate in farmer producer organizations and access markets directly.
State Agriculture Minister said, "This is a historic step towards gender equality in agriculture. Women constitute nearly 60% of the agricultural workforce in Maharashtra, but their contribution goes unrecognized. This law will correct that anomaly."
Implementation and Challenges
The government plans to roll out the scheme through a digital platform where women can apply for certificates online. Local gram panchayats will verify applications, and certificates will be issued within 30 days. However, challenges such as lack of awareness and digital literacy among rural women need to be addressed. The government will conduct awareness campaigns and set up help desks in villages.
The law is expected to be tabled in the upcoming monsoon session of the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly. If passed, it will be one of the first such laws in India to specifically recognize women farmers without land ownership.
