Women Farmers Key for Making Indian Agriculture Self-Reliant says Indian Government

By: WE Staff | Tuesday, 9 March 2021

Agriculture is the backbone of India and Women are the backbone of the Indian agriculture sector. The nature and extent of women's involvement in agriculture varies greatly from region to region. But regardless of these variations, women are actively involved in various agricultural activities. On the eve of Women's day, Union Ministers of state for agriculture -ParshottamRupala and KailashChoudhary addressed a virtual event organized by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR). They spoke about the importance of women’s contribution to agriculture is very crucial in making the sector self-reliant. They also commented about women's contribution in every sector including agriculture. The occasion also marked the release of various ICAR Publications by the dignitaries.

Rupala emphasized on various schemes by a central government that aimed at empowering women in every aspect of life.  In all the spheres of life science, politics, engineering, medicines, arts, games, education, agriculture, and army, etc., “#Naari Shakti” is working shoulder-to-shoulder with men, he said.

The schemes that are aimed at empowering them on various fronts to help them lead a respectable and self-dependent life are BetiBachaoBetiPadhaoScheme, One Stop Centre Scheme, Women Helpline Scheme, UJJAWALA: A Comprehensive Scheme for Prevention of trafficking and Rescue, Rehabilitation and Re-integration of Victims of Trafficking and Commercial Sexual Exploitation, Working Women Hostel and many more.

Choudary also praised women's contribution to the agriculture and farming sectors. According to Census 2011, out of the total female main workers, 55 percent were agricultural labourers and 24 per cent were cultivators.

"The role of women is pivotal in realizing the aim of doubling farmers' income," said, Choudhary.

Stating that women are the backbone of Indian agriculture, ICAR Director General TrilochanMohapatra said women's contributions are significant in helping the agricultural sector to prosper. The council is committed to motivating women leadership in the farming and agricultural sectors, he added. 

Madhya Pradesh MLA ArchanaChitnis stressed on ensuring nutritional security and quality education to the women involved in agriculture. She also accentuated on providing quality education to such women.

“Women in leadership: Achieving an equal future in a COVID-19 world”, the Council has kept the theme as “International Women's Day: Women Leadership in Agriculture: Entrepreneurship, Equality & Empowerment” to acknowledge the role of women in agriculture.says, Dr Ashok Kumar Singh, Deputy Director General (Agricultural Extension), ICAR 

Maharashtra government presented a budget on international women's day and took a step forward for the welfare of women by offering one percent concession in stamp duty if the property is transferred exclusively in women's name.

“On International Women's Day, I propose concession in stamp duty of 1 percent over the prevailing rate, exclusively to women, provided the transfer of house property or registration of sale deed is in the name of woman or women only," he said. "Due to this concession, there will be a revenue shortfall of around Rs 1,000 crore," says, AjitPawar, Deputy Chief Minister and Finance Minister, Maharashtra.