GENERAL23 Sept 2026
Towards recognising women farmers
Maharashtra has passed the Women Farmers' Empowerment Bill, giving women legal recognition as farmers even if they don't own land. It matters because about 110 million women work in agriculture, yet only 14% of farm land is in their name. That blocks them from schemes like PM-KISAN (Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi). If you farm in Maharashtra, look into the new Woman Farmer Certificate.
Key Statutory Highlights
- In July 2026, Maharashtra passed the Women Farmers' Empowerment Bill, the first State law giving women legal recognition as farmers even without land ownership.
- In 2025, agriculture employed about 110 million women and 127 million men, and more than 41% of female agricultural workers were unpaid, against 20% of men.
- Only 14% of operational agricultural land holdings are with women, and only 23% of PM-KISAN beneficiaries are women.
Actionable Advice for Taxpayers / Founders:If you farm in Maharashtra but your name is not on the land records, consider applying for the Woman Farmer Certificate under the new law and keep simple records of your farming work. Check with your local agriculture office about scheme eligibility.
Statutory Disclaimer: TaxQue Shorts are AI-assisted editorial briefs for compliance awareness. This brief has not passed every source check; confirm the original notification before acting. This does not constitute formal legal or CA counsel.
TaxQue News Desk
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