Initiative promoting women in agriculture

Krishi Sakhi Initiative Strengthens Women Farmers Role: The Krishi Sakhi Initiative was launched by the Agriculture Insurance Company of India Limited (AIC) in 2026. It aligns with the declaration of 2026 as the International Year of the Woman Farmer by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).

The programme aims to recognise the contribution of women farmers and integrate them into formal agricultural systems. It also promotes financial inclusion and risk protection through insurance awareness.

Static GK fact: Women constitute nearly 30–33% of India’s agricultural workforce, contributing significantly to food production.

Objectives and core vision

The initiative focuses on improving access to crop insurance schemes and enhancing resilience among rural women. It aims to increase participation of women in decision-making within agriculture.

Special emphasis is given to financial literacy, awareness campaigns, and capacity building. These efforts ensure that women farmers understand risk management tools effectively.

Static GK Tip: The Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) is India’s flagship crop insurance scheme launched in 2016.

Structured outreach and activities

The initiative follows a month-wise engagement strategy for wider outreach. In January 2026, AIC launched a digital awareness campaign through videos.

In February, a walkathon under the theme #AICforHer was organised to promote solidarity. During March, workshops and grassroots programmes were conducted to educate women on insurance benefits.

These activities ensure both urban awareness and rural penetration, strengthening participation at all levels.

Focus on awareness and inclusion

The initiative highlights sanitation, hygiene, and agricultural awareness alongside insurance literacy. It targets women farmers and rural households to build holistic development.

Publications, interviews, and field-level campaigns are used to improve knowledge dissemination. This ensures greater inclusion in formal financial and agricultural systems.

Static GK fact: India is the second-largest producer of agricultural products globally, after China.

Significance for rural development

The Krishi Sakhi Initiative contributes to sustainable agriculture and gender-inclusive growth. By improving access to insurance, it enhances financial security for women farmers.

It also strengthens rural livelihoods by reducing vulnerability to crop losses. The initiative supports India’s broader goal of doubling farmers’ income and inclusive development.

Static GK Tip: Agriculture contributes around 15–18% to India’s GDP but employs nearly 45% of the workforce.

Source - https://www.usthadian.com