The Maharashtra Legislative Assembly unanimously approved “The Maharashtra Women Farmers Empowerment Act, 2026” on Thursday. Agriculture Minister Dattatraya Bharane introduced the bill to address the historical exclusion of female agricultural workers. The legislation aims to provide formal recognition and dedicated welfare funds for women in agriculture.
The bill highlights the significant role of women in rural labor, especially those working on family or community lands without formal titles. It introduces the issuance of formal “Woman Farmer Certificates” to empower these women. Additionally, the bill broadens the definition of a farmer to include women engaged in various agricultural activities in Maharashtra.
To support the bill’s objectives financially, it mandates the establishment of the Maharashtra State Fund for Women Farmers. This fund will receive capital from the State Consolidated Fund, Central Government grants, and public or private donations. The allocated funds will be used for welfare programs, credit facilities, database development, and training programs specifically designed for women farmers.
Furthermore, the bill sets up an accountability framework through the Women Farmers Empowerment Cell and a State Monitoring Committee. It also outlines governance and dispute resolution mechanisms involving local Gram Sabhas and designated “Appellate Officers” for smooth registration and grievance handling in rural areas. By linking identity certifications to state funding, the Maharashtra government aims to ensure fair and gender-sensitive resource allocation.
