New Report Calls For Inclusive Reforms In Agriculture Sector

(MENAFN- KNN India) New Delhi, Mar 22 (KNN) A new report, "Women in Agribusiness Opportunities and Challenges," released on Friday, sheds light on the gender disparity in India's agricultural sector.

The study, launched by Godrej Agrovet Ltd in collaboration with the Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad (IIMA) and Godrej DEI Lab, highlights that while women constitute 64.4 per cent of India's agricultural workforce, only 6-10 per cent hold positions in top agri and agri-related companies.

Speaking at the second Women in Agriculture Summit, Godrej Agrovet Managing Director Balram Singh Yadav emphasised the importance of empowering women in agribusiness through education, workplace inclusivity, and leadership development.

“Last year, we pledged to support 100,000 women across the agri value chain, and I'm proud to share that we've positively impacted 20,000 women in just one year,” he stated.

The report also reveals a stark contrast: although women account for 30-40 per cent of total enrolment in agricultural studies, very few transition into formal employment.

IIMA Faculty Member Vidya Vemireddy highlighted this issue, calling it a paradox where women's presence in education does not translate into workforce participation.

To address this gap, the report recommends measures such as equitable resource access, gender-responsive training, and inclusive workplace reforms.

In a significant move, Nisaba Godrej, Executive Chairperson of Godrej Consumer Products Ltd, and Balram Singh Yadav announced the launch of the Godrej Agrovet Women in Agriculture Scholarship to support five students pursuing agricultural studies.

Godrej Agrovet's HR Head, Mallika Mutreja, shared the company's commitment to increasing female representation, having already improved from 8 per cent to 12 per cent in FY25, with a target of 32 per cent by FY28.

The summit also featured panel discussions on overcoming barriers for women in agriculture and advancing leadership roles, reinforcing the need for a more inclusive and equitable agricultural sector.

(KNN Bureau)

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