Source: Indian Express
Context
Maharashtra has become the first Indian state to enact the Maharashtra Women Farmers Empowerment Act, 2026, providing legal recognition and protection to women farmers. The Act was introduced during the UN-observed International Year of the Woman Farmer to promote inclusive and sustainable agriculture.
What is the Act?
- A landmark law that legally recognizes women as farmers.
- Ensures women can access government agricultural benefits even without owning agricultural land.
- Aims to reduce gender inequality in agriculture by improving access to land-related benefits, credit, insurance, training, and welfare schemes.
Why is the Act Needed?
- Most agricultural land is owned by men.
- Many women work in farming but are not legally recognized as farmers.
- Lack of legal recognition limits access to:
- Government schemes
- Institutional credit
- Crop insurance
- Agricultural extension services
- Subsidies and welfare benefits
Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Broad Definition of Woman Farmer | Recognizes women engaged in crop cultivation, animal husbandry, poultry farming, fisheries, agro-forestry, vermiculture, mushroom cultivation, and primary agricultural processing as farmers. |
| Eligibility | Recognition is available to land owners, tenants, and agricultural labourers. |
| Woman Farmer Certificate (WFC) | Eligible women can obtain a Woman Farmer Certificate (WFC) as official proof of farming occupation. |
| Issuing Authority | Issued through the Gram Sabha or Nagar Panchayat. |
| Benefit of WFC | Eliminates the requirement of land ownership for accessing government welfare and agricultural schemes. |
| Digital Registry | Establishes a centralized digital database of certified women farmers for improved scheme delivery. |
| Women Farmers Empowerment Fund | A State-level dedicated fund to support women farmers’ welfare, livelihoods, skill development, and empowerment. |
