On the morning of March 8th, 2025, International Women’s Day set the stage for a powerful celebration of leadership, innovation, and resilience as Krishi Jagran, in collaboration with Bharat Certis AgriScience Ltd., hosted the memorable virtual event, “40 Under 40: Emerging Women Agripreneurs.” This live gathering put a spotlight on 40 extraordinary women, all under the age of 40, who are transforming India's agricultural landscape.
With #SheLeads as the campaign, the event honored these remarkable women who, despite coming from diverse backgrounds, shared a common vision of sustainable farming, food security, and climate resilience. Through their creativity and determination, they have not only built businesses but have also driven inclusive growth and led the charge toward a more sustainable future for agriculture.
As the event unfolded live, audiences heard inspiring stories of women who have risen from various corners of the country to become pioneers in agribusiness. These changemakers are shaping the future of farming, and their journeys served as a source of inspiration and empowerment for many.
The event began with a powerful keynote by Apurva Tripathi, Founder of MD Botanicals, who set the tone for the celebration by emphasizing that women make up half the population, yet real action on issues like climate change and gender equality is still lacking. She shared her experience from Bastar, Chhattisgarh, where women enjoy economic freedom and actively contribute to agriculture, often alongside their male counterparts. Instead of being seen as backward, these women are empowered, living sustainably without harming the environment. Apurva urged that if we truly seek gender equality, we have much to learn from these communities. It's time to return to our roots and recognize their strength and resilience.
The panel discussion then commenced, with Mamta Jain, Group Editor and CEO of Agriculture World, shared her perspective on women’s empowerment. She boldly stated that women are already empowered; they don't need empowerment—what they truly need is the freedom to be themselves. When women are given the space to pursue their passions and ambitions, they will naturally bloom like flowers in the right environment. She said, “This is the real women empowerment.”
Dr. Glory Swarupa, Director General, National Institute of MSME, said: "Women’s Day is about celebrating womanhood, respecting our existence, success, and legacy. Every woman is a masterpiece created by God, and without women, the world cannot be imagined. In the MSME sector, women play a significant role, especially in manufacturing, food processing, and packaging, though their ownership is still low. We’ve increased the number of women entrepreneurs from 13% during COVID to 20% today. Our initiatives, like the Raising and Accelerating MSME Performance (RAMP) scheme, aim to empower women and foster economic growth. We’ve trained over 7,000 women this year, and state governments are increasingly investing in women-led enterprises."
Dr. Poonam Malakondaiah, IAS, Special Chief Secretary, Government of Andhra Pradesh, said: “For me, Women’s Day is not just about recognizing our accomplishments; it’s about acknowledging the profound influence women have in shaping lives and societies. We are the pillars of our homes and the engines of the workplace, showing immense resilience in times of adversity. Women are nurturing leaders who bring empathy, integrity, and compassion, creating strong teams where the head and heart are connected. We are shaping not only the present generation but also the future with our legacy of empowerment and big dreams.”
“When it comes to women’s empowerment in agriculture, women play a crucial role in pre- and post-processing tasks, with mechanization reducing manual labor and empowering them. Steps like land registration in women's names and digital initiatives, such as eCrop in Andhra Pradesh, are making it easier for women to access resources and improve their financial independence. Digital literacy and training in sectors like milk testing are essential for further empowerment. Additionally, policies that support urban women balancing work and family are needed to ensure equal opportunities. By 2047, I believe women will lead us into an era of progress and equality,” she added.
Dr. Nutan Kaushik, Director General of the Amity Foundation, highlighted the positive shift in agricultural education, noting that enrollment has increased over the past decade, with a significant rise in female participation globally, including at the PhD level. She emphasized the importance of flexible work hours, allowing women to choose when to contribute, whether for two or four hours, supporting their involvement in the nation’s growth. She also stressed the critical need for rural training and empowerment, particularly in agriculture, pointing out the gender disparity in decision-making. While women make up 40% of the agricultural workforce, men dominate leadership roles, making women's empowerment and decision-making crucial for progress. Government initiatives like women-led FPOs are helping to address this gap.
Following the insightful panel discussion, other inspiring women agripreneurs from across the country also shared their remarkable journeys, shedding light on how their companies are empowering farmers and transforming the agricultural landscape. They spoke about their commitment to sustainable practices, innovation, and inclusive growth, all while navigating challenges unique to women in the agribusiness sector.
Their stories serve as a beacon of hope and resilience, illustrating the power of perseverance and vision in creating lasting change. As they outlined their vision for future growth, it was clear that these women are not only shaping the future of agriculture but also driving a movement towards greater equality and opportunity. Tune in live to hear their inspiring stories and learn more about their impactful contributions to the agricultural world.
The event concluded on an inspiring note, with heartfelt gratitude expressed by Shiny Dominic, Managing Director of Krishi Jagran. She commended the top 40 women agripreneurs for their exceptional contributions to the agricultural sector in India, highlighting their dedication and impactful work, while also expressing gratitude to the Krishi Jagran team, the audience, and Bharat Certis AgriSciences for their support. With a message of continued empowerment, she encouraged all to carry forward the inspiration and energy gained for a sustainable future.
