WOMEN IN AGRIBUSINESS

Abstract: Agriculture is the main source of livelihood in rural India, and women have always played an important role in it. For many years, their contribution remained unpaid and unrecognized, even though they were involved in almost every farming activity. Today, this situation is changing as rural women are moving beyond farm labour and becoming agribusiness entrepreneurs in areas such as dairy, poultry, fisheries, food processing, and agri-input services. This paper highlights how women agripreneurs are contributing to rural economic growth by creating employment, increasing household income, and strengthening agricultural value chains. It also presents official data to show the growing participation of women in agriculture and entrepreneurship. At the same time, women agripreneurs face challenges related to access to resources, markets, infrastructure, and social barriers. The paper discusses key strategies to support women-led agribusiness, including better institutional support, digital access, skill development, and public–private partnerships. Overall, empowering women in agribusiness is essential for sustainable rural development and inclusive economic growth.

Keywords: Livelihood, entrepreneurs, skill infrastructure and empowering

Author: KANIKA JHA

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