2026 Named International Year of the Woman Farmer
Why in the news
The UN named 2026 for women farmers to spotlight their land rights, market access and climate risks.
Key facts
- Women produce 60-80% of food in developing countries; 39% of farm labour in South Asia.
- India: women are 80% of economically active farm workers but hold only 14% of land (another NFHS figure of 8.3% is quoted).
Challenges
- Weak land ownership limits credit and insurance.
- Technology gap, undervalued labour and climate burdens.
Indian schemes
| Scheme | Support |
|---|---|
| MKSP | Skills and resources |
| Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanisation | 50-80% equipment subsidy |
| NFSM | 30% budget for women in several States/UTs |
ENACT project, Assam
- Nagaon district; WFP with Assam government; funded by Norway.
- Weekly mobile advisories, submergence-tolerant rice, women’s seed production, Climate Adaptation Information Centres.
- Over 300 women in 17 villages linked digitally.
Way forward
- Gender-disaggregated data, women-suited credit and equipment, women-led value chains, SHGs and inclusion in climate planning.
Exam angle
- Year: 2026; funder of ENACT: Norway.