**Women in Agriculture: Bridging the Gender Gap in India**
Women make up 64.4% of India’s agricultural workforce, yet only 6-10% are employed in leading agri and agri-related companies, as revealed in a recent report titled “Women in Agribusiness — Opportunities and Challenges.” This report was launched by Godrej Agrovet Ltd in partnership with the Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad (IIMA) during the second Women in Agriculture Summit.
### Key Findings from the Report
– **Significant Workforce Presence**: Women represent a substantial 30-40% of total enrolment in agricultural studies, but a minimal number transition into formal employment.
– **Empowerment Initiatives**: Godrej Agrovet’s Managing Director, Balram Singh Yadav, emphasized the importance of empowering women through education, inclusivity, and leadership development. The company has committed to supporting 100,000 women in the agri value chain, having already impacted 20,000 in the past year.
– **Call for Change**: The report advocates for equitable access to resources, gender-responsive training, and inclusive workplace reforms to address gender disparities in agriculture.
### Scholarship Announcement
During the summit, Nisaba Godrej, Executive Chairperson of Godrej Consumer Products Ltd, and Balram Singh Yadav announced the establishment of the Godrej Agrovet Women in Agriculture Scholarship, aimed at supporting five students pursuing agricultural studies.
### Increasing Representation
Mallika Mutreja, Head of Human Resources at Godrej Agrovet, reported an increase in women’s representation within the company from 8% to 12% in FY25, with a goal of reaching 32% by FY28.
### Conclusion
The agricultural sector in India presents a paradox where women are a significant part of the workforce yet face barriers to formal employment. How can we further support women’s roles in agriculture to ensure their contributions are recognized and valued?
**FAQ: What are the main challenges women face in entering formal employment in agriculture?**
Women in agriculture often encounter barriers such as limited access to resources, lack of gender-responsive training, and insufficient workplace inclusivity, which hinder their transition into formal employment.
