Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Ajit Pawar announced plans for a Special Bill aimed at empowering women farmers during a seminar on ‘Empowerment of Women Farmers.’ The state will establish a ‘Gender Resource Center’ to address women’s issues in agriculture. The event, marking the International Year of Women Farmers 2026 and International Women’s Day, highlighted transformative measures including legal recognition and technology integration.
Pawar revealed that a new law will safeguard women farmers’ rights, addressing issues like unregistered land names and gender-specific agricultural data. Initiatives such as ‘Namo Drone Didi’ for drone pilot training and AI integration in farming will be promoted. The government intends to replicate the successful Pune model statewide, offering subsidies for drone purchases by women farmers.
Moreover, the government plans to allocate 30% of agricultural scheme benefits to women and connect them to international markets through schemes like ‘Lakhpati Didi’ and ‘She Marts.’ Special subsidies for animal husbandry, fisheries, and beekeeping are also under consideration. Dr. Neelam Gorhe stressed the importance of providing farmer certificates to women heading households affected by farmer suicides to access government schemes.
Women and Child Development Minister Aditi Tatkare highlighted the collaboration between the Agriculture and WCD departments, emphasizing the financial support provided by credit societies. She pledged ongoing assistance for collective industries and agri-allied businesses through the ‘Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin’ scheme. Environment Minister Pankaja Munde praised women as the driving force of the rural economy, welcoming the decision to include mothers’ names in official records.
