Women play a crucial role in Indian agriculture, yet continue to face systemic exclusion. Discuss with reference to (Land ownership) access to credit, and (agri-extension services). What initiatives has the government taken in this regard?

The Agricultural Census 2011 highlighted the "feminine nature of agriculture" with over 70% rural women employed yet, the incidence of women in agriculture is not optimal. Women Facing Systemic Agricultural Exclusion (1) Land Ownership a Around 12% of women in agriculture as agricultural labourers without own agricultural land b Household agricultural land is often registered in the name of males, thus emasculating women c Extremely high land hire coefficient due to ignorance during land reform measures

Disempowering Women c Extremely high land hire coefficient due to ignorance during land reform measures d No provision for bias registration of distributed land (2) Ideas to Credit a SHGs formed for credit can not fulfill used for loan on large scale b 35% SHGs similar have other lands due to low financial literacy NABARD c Lack of collateral leading also to take loan & long accessibility of formal banks (3) Agro-Extension services a Please zero formal registration of FH-Khed Ujana Applicants b Appointment of female Krishi Sakhi to pooled agricultural extension iii Expansion of formal banking sectors with Priority Lending to women iv Organization tits SHGs by interest financed access v Joint land registration under SHGs MITRA Female farmers are the backbone of agriculture and must be provided with all necessary support to ensure women led agricultural development

— ARYAN SIRSIKAR · AIR 175