Mumbai, July 2 (IANS) In a milestone move for India’s agricultural landscape, the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly on Thursday witnessed the discussion on the landmark ‘Maharashtra Women Farmers Empowerment Bill-2026’. Welcoming and supporting the Bill, Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Ajit Pawar hailed it as a historic step towards providing justice, identity and rights to women farmers who form the backbone of the state’s agrarian economy.

Speaking during the Assembly debate, Deputy CM Sunetra Pawar emphasised that Maharashtra has become the first state in India to introduce such legislation.

“This Bill is not just a piece of law; it is historic justice for the hard work, dignity and rights of every woman farmer who breathes life into our soil and firmly supports Maharashtra’s economy. It is set to transform the lives of millions of women across the state,” she stated.

Drawing from her personal background as a daughter of a farming family, the Deputy Chief Minister shared her close experience of the hardships of farming, the unpredictability of nature and rural life.

She pointed out that despite working shoulder-to-shoulder with men in tasks ranging from sowing, animal husbandry, dairy, poultry and fisheries to post-harvest processing, women have historically never been recognised as official ‘farmers’. Due to the lack of land ownership, women have long been excluded from various government benefits.

Addressing this gap, the Deputy CM explained a key feature of the new law. She said the ‘Maharashtra Women Farmers Empowerment Bill-2026’ establishes a woman’s actual participation in farming, rather than land ownership, as the primary criterion for granting her an official ‘Woman Farmer Certificate’.

The Deputy Chief Minister clarified that this certificate will finally grant millions of women an official identity, paving the way for easier access to government agricultural schemes and training, crop insurance, institutional credit, market access, skill development and entrepreneurship opportunities.

To ensure that the Bill does not remain a mere declaration but translates into meaningful action, a robust institutional framework will be established. This includes a dedicated Women Farmers Database, a Women Farmers Empowerment Cell, specialised assistance officers, a state-level monitoring committee and a dedicated Women Farmers Fund.

Addressing potential concerns, DCM Sunetra Pawar categorically reassured the House that the Bill does not alter, amend or interfere with any existing land ownership, inheritance or succession laws. Its sole purpose is to provide legal and institutional recognition to women’s immense contribution to agriculture.

Highlighting the Mahayuti government’s commitment to women’s welfare, the Deputy CM listed ongoing initiatives such as the Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana, Lek Ladki Yojana, Pink Rickshaw Scheme and the Nav Tejaswini Rural Women’s Enterprise Development Scheme, alongside safety nets such as One Stop Centres and the Manodhairya Yojana.

“Maharashtra has historically led India in women’s education, cooperatives, political reservation and self-help groups. By legally recognising women farmers, Maharashtra is once again setting a pioneering example for the entire country,” she concluded, congratulating the Chief Minister, Agriculture Minister and the Agriculture Department for crafting this historic legislation.

–IANS

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