Sheroes of Indian Agriculture: Influential Women Farmers Share Inspiring Stories & Insights on Rashtriya Mahila Kisan Diwas

On October 16, 2024, in celebration of Rashtriya Mahila Kisan Diwas, Krishi Jagran hosted a thought-provoking webinar titled “Celebrating Influential Women Farmer ‘Sheroes’ of Indian Agriculture,” recognizing the immense contributions of women in agriculture across India. The virtual event brought together influential women in agriculture, who shared their inspiring success stories, unique business models, and the challenges they’ve overcome. The webinar also provided a platform to discuss the crucial role women play in agriculture, their entrepreneurial ventures, and their leadership in shaping the future of farming in India.

Dr. Neeraja Prabhakar, Vice Chancellor of SKLTSHU, emphasized the vital role women farmers play, noting that women are the "real architects of society" and their contribution to agriculture is indispensable. She pointed out that 33% of the total agricultural labor force in India comprises women, and with increasing rural-to-urban migration by men, women have become more prominent as cultivators and entrepreneurs. Despite their growing involvement, however, women’s contributions often remain unrecognized, and Dr. Prabhakar urged for greater visibility, land ownership rights, and support systems like self-help groups and cooperatives to help empower women farmers.

Lena Johansson, former President of the International Federation of Agricultural Journalists (IFAJ), reiterated that women are the backbone of Indian agriculture. She highlighted their significant roles in dairy farming and food security, pointing out that women’s traditional knowledge not only enhances productivity but also promotes biodiversity. Empowering women in agriculture, she added, fosters gender equality and drives sustainable practices, benefiting the economy and communities as a whole.

The webinar spotlighted several successful women farmers from across India, showcasing their resilience, creativity, and leadership:

Shubha Bhatnagar from Uttar Pradesh shared her journey into saffron farming, turning her lifelong interest in agriculture into a profitable business with the help of modern technology and family support. Her venture has empowered local women by creating stable incomes and opportunities for growth.

Annu Kanwar from Rajasthan highlighted her experiences in mushroom farming, emphasizing the importance of market research for women entering agriculture. She advised aspiring women farmers to explore market conditions before venturing into agri-business.

Purva Jindal from Bhilwara, Rajasthan, shared her inspiring journey into organic farming, which was born out of her desire to promote health during the pandemic. She encouraged women to buy land and start growing organic vegetables, emphasizing the economic and health benefits.

Meena Kumari Chandel, a greenhouse and floriculture entrepreneur from Himachal Pradesh, discussed the struggles she faced, particularly with transportation, and advised women farmers to invest time in learning and farming instead of social media.

Soniya Jain from Jhalawar, Rajasthan, talked about her contributions to floriculture and sustainable farming. She shared her framework for sustainable farming and how she’s training fellow farmers, helping them set up polyhouses, and taking value-added products to market.

Uma Ratnu from Alwar, Rajasthan, shared her experience in establishing a Milk FPO that processes and sells around 15,000 liters of milk, while empowering women farmers in her community.

Sushma Kumari from Kollam, Kerala, has been empowering women farmers by disseminating information about government initiatives such as the PM Jan Dhan Yojana, helping women in her region access financial services.

Rekha Sharma highlighted the importance of organic, home-grown vegetables and how her self-help group (SHG) of 300 farmers is providing fresh produce to consumers while helping farmers avoid exploitative middlemen.

Manjeet Kaur from Punjab shared her agricultural practices, including processing crops before selling them to the market, demonstrating the added value of farm-to-market products.

Suman Sharma from Kota, Rajasthan, discussed her successful soybean processing unit, where products such as soya nuts and laddoos are made, a venture she started after receiving training from Krishi Vigyan Kendra.

The webinar concluded with a message of hope and solidarity, calling for continued efforts to break down the barriers that hold women back in agriculture. By providing land ownership, better market access, and supportive policies, women farmers can continue to thrive, creating a more equitable and nourishing world for all.

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