How women farmers can benefit from 5 government schemes

In India, women constitute nearly 33 percent of the agricultural labour force and over 48 percent of the self-employed farmers. Yet, their contributions are often under-recognised, and their access to resources like land, credit, training, and technology remains limited. 

Despite these challenges, women have long been the custodians of traditional agricultural knowledge, playing a vital role in native seed conservation, organic practices, mixed cropping, and sustainable resource management. They also preserve generations of wisdom rooted in ecological balance.

Across rural India, women are not just working in fields. They are leading farming collectives, reviving indigenous crops, and taking charge of value addition and agri-business. As agriculture shifts to meet the challenges of climate change, declining soil health, and market volatility, empowering every woman farmer is essential for agricultural sustainability and food security.

Also Read: This Karnataka woman farmer turns leased barren lands into lush green fields using native seeds

Recognising this, several government schemes target and incentivise women’s participation in agriculture. 

These schemes are not merely financial packages. They represent a shift in policy thinking, recognising women as independent farmers, innovators, and decision-makers. 

As more women step into leadership roles in agriculture, they transform their own lives and strengthen the resilience of rural economies. 

Here are five government schemes that support and incentivise women farmers:

1. Agri-Clinics and Agri-Business Centres (ACABC)

This scheme trains graduates in agriculture and allied sectors to start their own businesses like agri-clinics (offering expert advice to farmers) or agri-business centres to sell seeds, fertilisers, equipment, etc.

Women get a higher subsidy of up to 44 percent of the project cost, while it is 36 percent for men if part of a group or cooperative. It also offers training, mentorship, and financial support to start their agribusiness.

2. Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH)

This mission promotes fruit, vegetable, flower, spice, and medicinal crop farming, and supports the development of nurseries, greenhouses, irrigation, post-harvest storage, etc.

Subsidy is higher for women at up to 35 percent on tools like sprayers, cutters, and solar pumps. There is also priority support for women-led Self Help Groups (SHGs) and Farmer Producer Groups (FPGs).

Also Read: Five farmers earning lakhs from medicinal plant farming

The mission helps set up small processing units for pickles, jams, etc., boosting value addition. 

3. National Mission on Oilseeds and Oil Palm (NMOOP)

This mission aims to increase the area under oilseed crops (like mustard, groundnut, sunflower) and oil palm plantations to reduce dependence on imports. 

It gives priority to women self-help groups (SHGs) and cooperatives to receive mini oil mills, sprayers, and processing equipment. Women also get extra subsidies for farm tools like manual or power sprayers, seed drills, etc. The scheme encourages backyard nurseries and oil processing units led by women. 

Also Read: MBA woman farmer harvests 55,000 kg tomatoes per acre; turns around her family farm

4. National Food Security Mission (NFSM)

This mission boosts the production of rice, wheat, pulses, and coarse cereals through better seeds, farm machinery, and efficient practices.

At least 30 of the funds are reserved for women farmers. SHGs led by women get financial support to produce and market grains and pulses. Women FPOs get assistance of Rs 2 lakh per group for improving value chains, like cleaning, grading, and branding their produce.

5. National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA)

This mission focuses on climate-resilient farming by encouraging water conservation, soil health, organic farming, and the use of renewable energy in agriculture.

About 50 percent of the total funding is for small and marginal farmers, and 30 percent must go to women farmers. Women get higher incentives of Rs 1.50 lakh vs Rs 1.25 lakh for men to adopt rainwater harvesting, compost pits, vermicompost, or solar-powered irrigation.

The scheme helps women become leaders in organic and eco-friendly farming.

(Riya Singh is a Ranchi-based journalist who writes on environment, farming, sustainability, startups, & women empowerment).

Also Read: Rajasthan’s woman farmer grows organic apples at 50 degrees Celsius; gets Rs 38 lakh turnover from just 1.25 acres

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