In the aftermath of Modi 3.0, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has emphasized his steadfast dedication to not only uplifting the agricultural sector, but also establishing India as a global leader. This declaration was clearly conveyed through his initial official action—authorizing the release of the 17th instalment of the PM Kisan Nidhi, benefiting 9.3 crore farmers with a distribution of approximately Rs 20,000 crores.
Nevertheless, the Government of India must undertake more extensive efforts to advance and fortify the role of technology in the gendering of the political economy of agriculture. The forthcoming Union Budget is poised to reflect this, as the allotment for the Agriculture Ministry for 2024–25 was augmented to ₹1.27 lakh crore, up from ₹1.16 lakh crore in 2023–24. The budget, to be revealed on Tuesday, is anticipated to intensify initiatives focused on value addition in the agricultural sector, augmenting the role of women, and elevating farmers’ incomes.
It is imperative for the budget to encompass a further increase, ensuring targeted support and resources for women farmers in agriculture. Despite their substantial contributions, women frequently encounter cultural, social, and economic barriers. They face unequal access to resources, confront cultural and traditional barriers, and are subject to gender dynamics and gender-based violence.
Technology has the potential to play a pivotal role in empowering women in agriculture. In India, women play a critical role in agriculture, from small to large farms, generating food for their households, communities, and beyond. However, they commonly experience disparities in access to advanced technologies, perpetuated by social norms, financial constraints, and unequal educational opportunities.
Research from UN Women demonstrates that if women had the same access to resources as men, female farmers could augment their yield by up to 30%. Technology has the potential to amplify yields, entice women and youth to agriculture, and diminish post-harvest losses. In India, numerous initiatives such as ‘Drone Didi’ and women-led agri-startups are illustrating that transforming the lives of women farmers is attainable.
Another significant obstacle for women farmers is access to credit. Due to unequal land ownership laws and practices, women possess fewer assets to offer as collateral, curbing their access to financial services. Access to credit and microfinance is crucial to modernizing farming practices and bridging the technological gap in agriculture.
Moreover, the digital divide also presents challenges for women farmers, as many of them have limited access to mobile phones and the internet. However, when women obtain access to digital tools, the impact can be transformative, enabling them to save and borrow money and connect directly with buyers.
Education is also a key factor in enhancing women’s productivity and economic status in agriculture. Furnishing women with agricultural training and education can assist them in augmenting their productivity, income, and leadership skills. Other policy interventions are also necessary to address the unique challenges faced by women in agriculture.
By ensuring that women have equitable access to agricultural technologies, training, and financial resources, we can create a more just and productive agricultural economy. The inclusion of women’s voices in decision-making processes is crucial for formulating policies that are receptive to the needs of all farmers.
Empowering women farmers is not only a moral imperative but a strategic necessity for achieving long-term agricultural development and food security. It necessitates concentrated efforts from various stakeholders, including policymakers, the private sector, civil society, and women themselves. As we look to the future, let’s harness the power of technology to cultivate a more equitable and prosperous world for all.