Context:
Women constitute 64.4 per cent of India’s agricultural workforce but only 6-10 per cent are employed in top agri and agri-related companies, according to a new report released
Key Highlights
- Women in Agriculture Workforce
- Women form 64.4% of India’s agricultural workforce.
- Only 6-10% are employed in top agri and agri-related companies.
- Educational Participation vs. Employment Gap
- 30-40% of enrolments in agricultural studies are women.
- However, few of these graduates transition into formal employment structures.
Report Launch & Initiative
- Launched by
- Godrej Agrovet Ltd
- Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad (IIMA)
- Godrej DEI Lab
- Unveiled during the Second Women in Agriculture Summit.
Company Commitments & Progress
- Balram Singh Yadav, Managing Director, Godrej Agrovet
- Committed to supporting 100,000 women across the agri value chain.
- 20,000 women already impacted in the first year.
- Scholarship Initiative
- Launch of Godrej Agrovet Women in Agriculture Scholarship for five students pursuing agricultural studies.
- Workforce Diversity Goals
- Increased female representation from 8% to 12% in FY25.
- Targeting 32% representation by FY28.
Challenges Highlighted
- The paradox of high female participation in agricultural education and informal labor, but low formal employment.
- The report suggests:
- Equitable access to resources
- Gender-responsive skill training
- Inclusive workplace reforms
The report and summit highlight the urgent need to bridge gender disparities in agribusiness. While women play a dominant role in agricultural labor and education, their presence in leadership and formal employment remains minimal. Initiatives like targeted scholarships, inclusive policies, and structured development programs are essential steps toward creating a more equitable, diverse, and empowered agribusiness ecosystem in India.
