Women-run farmer-producer organizations make inroads into many sectors

According to the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, there are currently over 200 women-led FPOs in the country, with more being set up every year. These FPOs are involved in a range of activities, including crop production, livestock rearing, seed production, and marketing.
One such organization is the Vanastree Collective, based in Karnataka, which works with over 1,000 women farmers across the state to promote traditional farming practices and sustainable agriculture. The organization has helped women farmers set up seed banks, conserve local varieties of crops, and market their products directly to consumers.Another FPO, the Mahila Kisan Adhikar Manch (MAKAAM), based in Uttar Pradesh, works with over 10,000 women farmers across the state to promote organic farming and seed conservation. The organization has helped women farmers access government schemes and subsidies and has set up community seed banks to conserve traditional crop varieties.These women-led FPOs are also playing a crucial role in empowering women farmers, who have traditionally been excluded from the formal agriculture sector. According to the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), women make up around 43% of the agricultural workforce in India but own only 12% of the land.
By setting up their own FPOs, women farmers are taking control of their own livelihoods and are gaining a voice in decision-making processes related to agriculture. These organizations are also helping to bridge the gender gap in the agriculture sector and are promoting gender equality.
The government has recognized the importance of women-led FPOs in promoting sustainable agriculture and has launched several initiatives to support their growth. These include the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sampada Yojana, which provides financial assistance to FPOs, and the Mahila Kisan Sashaktikaran Pariyojana, which aims to empower women farmers by providing them with training and capacity-building support.
The success of these women-led FPOs is a testament to the resilience and ingenuity of women farmers in India. As more and more women enter the formal agriculture sector, these organizations are likely to play an increasingly important role in promoting sustainable agriculture practices and empowering women farmers.
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