This will bring about a transformative change in the lives of hundreds of thousands of women farmers in Maharashtra. Although they work side by side with male farmers at every stage of cultivation, women were deprived of benefits under various government schemes because they lacked land ownership documents (specifically, the ‘7\/12 extract’ or \u2018Saat-Bara\u2019). Now, even if a woman does not hold the land title in her name, she can still obtain an official ‘woman farmer’ certificate from the Assistant Agriculture Officer, subject to approval by the Gram Panchayat or Nagar Panchayat. This ensures that a woman is officially recognized as a farmer even without owning land. Furthermore, the scope of this law extends beyond traditional farming to include the following activities:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Animal husbandry<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Dairy farming<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Poultry farming<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Fisheries<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Beekeeping<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Sericulture<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Mushroom cultivation<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Horticulture<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Floriculture<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Agroforestry<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Collection of forest produce by landless women<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Farm laborers<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Tenant farmers<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Migrant female laborers<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
A woman engaged in any of these activities can apply for a Woman Farmer Certificate (WFC). Besides legal recognition of women\u2019s individual rights, the WFC will give women farmers greater access to entitlements under government schemes, extension services, credit and market opportunities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In a state where over 81% of village women are engaged in agriculture and allied activities, depriving them from farm related government schemes was a historic injustice. The ‘Maharashtra Women Farmers Empowerment Bill 2026\u2019 is a landmark reform that will not only empower rural women workforce but will also flourish the local economies. Separate Fund for Women Farmers<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"Maharashtra](\"https:\/\/devgatha.in\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/mahila-shetkari-sakshamikaran-bill-2026.png\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\nDedicated Farmers’ Fund for Women Farmers<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
This bill paves the way for the creation of a ‘Women Farmers’ Empowerment Council,’ chaired by the Chief Minister, to ensure the effective implementation of the law. Additionally, a state-level monitoring committee, headed by the Chief Secretary, will be established to resolve administrative hurdles. Overall, the state government will set up a dedicated ‘Maharashtra State Women Farmers’ Fund’ to foster the holistic development of women farmers. Furthermore, a minimum 30% share will be reserved for women across all Agriculture Department schemes. A separate digital database of women farmers will be created to ensure they receive the benefits of government agricultural schemes in a direct and transparent manner; this will facilitate easy access to essentials such as fertilizers, seeds, crop insurance, and affordable bank loans, as well as to markets, transportation, and storage facilities. The Devendra Fadnavis government is also keen to increase the adoption of modern technologies including Artificial Intelligence in agriculture and to provide global market access for products made by women through initiatives like ‘Lakhpati Didi’ and ‘She Mart.’<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"women](\"https:\/\/devgatha.in\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/maharashtra-women-farmers-empowerment-bill-2026-fadnavis-1024x807.webp\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n2026: International Year of Women Farmers<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
The United Nations (UN) has declared 2026 as the International Year of Women Farmers. Against this backdrop, Maharashtra has taken a significant step, setting a new global precedent. While discussions are taking place worldwide, Maharashtra has become the first state in the country to grant women farmer certificates. By translating the UN’s international call into concrete action, Maharashtra has established a new benchmark on the global stage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This initiative, launched under the leadership of Devendra Fadnavis, is not only empowering the state’s women but also according dignity to their hard work and eliminating gender inequality in the agricultural sector. Consequently, the Women Farmers Act serves as a major gift to the lakhs of women farmers across the state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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