Bridging the Gender Gap in Agriculture: Economic Imperatives for Inclusive Growth

The 'Her Harvest 2026' report has brought to the forefront a critical economic reality: the persistent gender divide in Indian agriculture is not merely a social concern but a significant drag on national productivity. Despite women constituting a substantial portion of the agricultural workforce, they continue to face systemic barriers, including limited access to land ownership, credit, technology, and fair wages. The report estimates that addressing these resource disparities could catalyze an additional ₹2 trillion in agricultural output, underscoring the untapped potential of the sector. In the Indian context, the 'feminization of agriculture' is a well-documented phenomenon, driven largely by the migration of men to urban centers in search of non-farm employment. However, this shift has not been accompanied by a corresponding devolution of decision-making power or asset ownership to women. When women farmers lack formal land titles, they are often excluded from institutional credit, government subsidies, and extension services. This creates a 'productivity gap' where female-managed farms underperform relative to their potential, not due to a lack of labor, but due to a lack of capital and institutional support.