Maharashtra Women Farmers Empowerment Bill, 2026: A Step Toward Gender-Inclusive Agriculture

On July 2, 2026, the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly introduced the 'Maharashtra Women Farmers Empowerment Bill, 2026.' This legislative move marks a significant shift in the state's agricultural policy, addressing the long-standing issue of the 'invisibility' of women in the farming sector. Despite women performing a substantial portion of agricultural labor—ranging from sowing and weeding to harvesting and post-harvest management—they have historically been denied the status of 'farmer' due to the lack of land titles, which are predominantly held by men. The proposed bill seeks to rectify this structural inequality by providing legal recognition to women engaged in agriculture as independent farmers. By decoupling the status of a 'farmer' from land ownership, the government aims to ensure that women can access institutional credit, government subsidies, agricultural inputs, and extension services in their own right. This is expected to enhance the financial autonomy of women, improve their decision-making power within households, and facilitate better access to technology and modern farming practices.