An agrochemicals and seed company, Corteva Agriscience, announced a comprehensive programme aimed at empowering two million women farmers across India’s agri-value chain by 2030. As reported by The Hindu Business Line, the initiative, unveiled on Tuesday, focuses on implementing innovative agricultural technologies and climate-smart practices that promise to enhance farm yields by 20-30% when women have equitable access to resources.
Corteva’s new initiative aims to empower women across the agricultural value chain through several key components aimed at enhancing productivity and sustainability. The program focuses on establishing women-led Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) and cooperatives to create an inclusive ecosystem that integrates women into agriculture. By promoting climate-smart practices such as Direct Seeded Rice (DSR), carbon sequestration, soil health management and water conservation, the initiative merges environmental stewardship with the economic growth of rural women.
Additionally, the initiative includes mentorship and capacity-building for female STEM students, cultivating future leaders and innovators in agriculture. Corteva is also investing in improved rural infrastructure, such as clean water and storage facilities, ensuring that women farmers have the necessary resources for success. Furthermore, the program prioritizes health, wellness, financial literacy, and business skills, providing access to essential services that support women farmers in leading healthier and more prosperous lives. With a commitment of $2 million, the initiative aims to position women as key drivers of agricultural growth and innovation, ultimately advancing food security and fostering a more inclusive agricultural sector.
According to the survey, rural women contribute 60-80% of India’s food supply but often face challenges in accessing resources and decision-making roles due to the male-dominated agricultural sector. Women make up 63% of the agricultural workforce and are essential in crop production, horticulture, post-harvest activities, and animal husbandry. Their empowerment is vital for boosting overall agricultural productivity.
During the launch, Subroto Geed, President of Corteva Agriscience for South Asia, highlighted the vital role women play in rural life and agriculture.
“Women are the backbone of rural life and agriculture. Corteva is committed to improving their incomes and lives through access to better farming methods, education and sustainable farming practices. We hope this focus will accelerate India’s path to becoming a developed nation. Proud to embrace this social responsibility, taking a step toward a Viksit Bharat.”
At the launch event, Subha Thakur, additional secretary in the Union Agriculture Ministry, urged for stronger public-private partnerships to better integrate women farmers into mainstream agriculture. She noted that more than half of the 14 crore farmers in India are women, yet their contributions often go unrecognized.
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Our 2 million initiative links gender equality, economic growth, and environmental sustainability. By equipping women with tools, knowledge, and resources, Corteva is paving the way for women to lead in sustainable development, supporting India’s goals of economic empowerment, food security, and sustainability.”
Heera Lal, a special secretary in Uttar Pradesh, called for a bottom-up approach to support women farmers, while Arun Kumar Panda from the Central Institute for Women in Agriculture underscored the necessity of generating and collating gender-based data to inform policy decisions effectively.
As the initiative unfolds, many activists have suggested that government programs should increase their focus on women beneficiaries from 30% to 50%, ensuring that resources reach those who constitute a significant portion of the agricultural workforce.
With participation from leaders such as Kalpana Sastry Regulagedda of Ag-Hub Foundation, Avinash Kumar of Earthood, Ebha Singh of Ghar Ayee Nanhi Pari, and Babita Khachi from Viniera Vineyards FPO, the program aims not only to enhance agricultural productivity but also to champion the rights and recognition of women in the farming sector.
