WOMEN IN AGRIBUSINESS

Abstract: Rural women constitute the backbone of India's agricultural sector, yet their entrepreneurial potential in agribusiness remains significantly underutilized. This paper examines the emerging role of women entrepreneurs in agribusiness and their transformative impact on rural growth and development. Women comprise 73% of the rural agricultural workforce but own only 13% of the land. Despite formidable challenges, including limited access to credit, land rights, and digital literacy, women are increasingly establishing successful enterprises in dairy farming, food processing, value addition, and traditional crafts. Our analysis of case studies from across India reveals that women-led agribusiness ventures generate substantial household income, create employment opportunities, and strengthen community resilience. Government schemes such as Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana and One District One Product (ODOP) have catalyzed women's entrepreneurship, resulting in 25% income increases for women in women-centric products. The study concludes that targeted policy interventions, financial inclusion, capacity building, and market linkages are critical to unlocking women's entrepreneurial potential and achieving sustainable rural development.

Keywords: Women entrepreneurs, agribusiness, rural development, financial inclusion, gender equality, self-employment

Author: Raghav Singh

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