Maharashtra Council passes Bill to recognise women farmers, extend access to welfare schemes

Speaking in the House, Bharne said, “They will get a Woman Farmer Certificate, which will help them access government schemes, financial assistance and other benefits,” he said. It also brings within its ambit women involved in activities such as animal husbandry, poultry, fisheries and collection of minor forest produce.

The legislation also provides for setting up a Women Farmer Empowerment Council, a Women Farmer Empowerment Cell, a State Monitoring Committee, a database of women farmers and a Maharashtra State Fund for Women Farmers.

The fund will be used for welfare programmes, financial assistance, training and other measures for women farmers. It will receive grants from the Centre and the state government, besides donations and other contributions.

Participating in the discussion, Shiv Sena (UBT) MLC Ambadas Danve supported the Bill, saying nearly 80 per cent of women are involved in agriculture, but only 13.96 per cent own agricultural land. He said around 48 per cent work on family farms while 33 per cent work as agricultural labourers.

“This Bill will give recognition to women who have been working in agriculture for years without being recognised as farmers,” Danve said.

Shiv Sena MLC Neelam Gorhe also welcomed the legislation, saying it would benefit thousands of women who work on farms but do not own land in their names.

The Bill will come into force after receiving the Governor’s assent.