Women, Work, and the Future of Indian Agriculture: Feminisation, Technology, and the Vision of Viksit Bharat

Women have long served as the foundation of India’s agricultural system, contributing significantly to crop production, livestock management, agroforestry, fisheries, and seed preservation. Despite their extensive involvement, their labour remains undervalued due to structural inequalities, limited land ownership, wage disparities, and restricted access to technology and institutional support. Recent trends show a clear feminisation of agriculture, driven by male migration to non-farm sectors and the increasing participation of both rural and urban women in farming and allied activities. Women now form the majority workforce in key crops such as tea, cotton, oilseeds, and vegetables, yet continue to face systemic barriers that limit their economic mobility and leadership opportunities. Institutional interventions—including Custom Hiring Centres, skill development initiatives, and women-focused technology innovations—demonstrate the transformative potential of equitable access to resources. Global examples from Kenya, Tanzania, and Ghana further highlight how technology designed with women’s needs in mind can enhance productivity, income, and agency. India’s policy framework, particularly through programmes such as the Mahila Kisan Sashaktikaran Pariyojana and the National Rural Livelihoods Mission, is gradually expanding women’s autonomy, but deeper structural reforms are essential. As India advances toward the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047, integrating gender-responsive technologies, secure land rights, leadership opportunities, and inclusive market systems will be critical. Ensuring that women benefit equally from agricultural innovation is not only a step toward social equity but a cornerstone for building a resilient, productive, and sustainable agricultural future.