Maharashtra’s recognition of women farmers will break gender barriers

What happened: On October 2, Maharashtra begins issuing Women Farmers Certificates under the Women Farmer's Empowerment Act 2026, formally recognising women in agriculture and allied activities as farmers even without land ownership. Key numbers: Nationally women are close to 60% of the agricultural workforce but hold less than 15% of land titles. Why it matters: The certificates aim to open access to credit, subsidies, insurance and schemes previously tied to land ownership, addressing women's exclusion from formal farmer status.

On October 2, Maharashtra begins issuing Women Farmers Certificates under the Women Farmer's Empowerment Act 2026, formally recognising women in agriculture and allied activities as farmers even without land ownership.

The certificates aim to open access to credit, subsidies, insurance and schemes previously tied to land ownership, addressing women's exclusion from formal farmer status.