In a significant development for Indian agriculture, the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly deliberated on the ‘Maharashtra Women Farmers Empowerment Bill-2026’. Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Ajit Pawar praised the Bill as a crucial step towards empowering women farmers who play a vital role in the state’s agricultural sector.
During the Assembly debate, Deputy CM Sunetra Pawar highlighted that Maharashtra has become the first state in India to enact such legislation. She emphasized that the Bill is not just a legal document but a historic move to recognize and uphold the rights of women farmers who contribute immensely to the economy.
Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar, drawing from her personal experiences as a daughter of a farming family, shared insights into the challenges faced by women in agriculture. She underscored that despite their significant contributions, women have not been officially acknowledged as farmers, leading to their exclusion from various government schemes.
The ‘Maharashtra Women Farmers Empowerment Bill-2026’ focuses on recognizing a woman’s active involvement in farming rather than land ownership as the key criteria for issuing an official ‘Woman Farmer Certificate’. This certificate aims to provide millions of women with a formal identity, enabling them to access government agricultural programs, training, financial support, and market opportunities.
To ensure effective implementation of the Bill, a robust institutional framework will be established, including a Women Farmers Database, Empowerment Cell, specialized assistance officers, monitoring committee, and a dedicated Women Farmers Fund. Deputy CM Sunetra Pawar clarified that the legislation does not impact existing land ownership laws but aims to acknowledge and support women’s significant role in agriculture.
Highlighting the government’s commitment to women’s welfare, the Deputy CM mentioned various ongoing initiatives like the Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana, Lek Ladki Yojana, Pink Rickshaw Scheme, and Nav Tejaswini Rural Women’s Enterprise Development Scheme. By recognizing women farmers legally, Maharashtra aims to set a precedent for the nation, showcasing its dedication to women’s empowerment in agriculture.
