Women dominate India's agriculture workforce but lack leadership roles

Women make up 64.4 percent of the agricultural workforce in India. However, only 6 to 10 percent are employed in top agriculture companies, according to a new report. The report, titled "Women in Agribusiness — Opportunities and Challenges," was launched at the Women in Agriculture Summit in New Delhi. The report was created by Godrej Agrovet Ltd in partnership with the Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad (IIMA). Godrej Agrovet's Managing Director, Balram Singh Yadav, highlighted the company's commitment to empowering women in agribusiness through education and leadership development. Last year, they aimed to support 100,000 women in the agricultural sector and have helped 20,000 so far. Despite women representing 30 to 40 percent of students in agricultural studies, many do not find formal jobs after graduation. Vidya Vemireddy from IIMA pointed out the stark contradiction in India’s agricultural landscape. The report aims to close the gender gap by promoting equitable access to resources, better training, and workplace reforms. At the summit, the Godrej Agrovet Women in Agriculture Scholarship was launched to support five students studying agriculture. The company has also increased women's representation in its workforce from 8 percent to 12 percent and aims for 32 percent by 2028. The summit included discussions on female leadership and overcoming barriers for women in agriculture.