Maharashtra to introduce law recognising women as independent farmers; Bill likely in monsoon session

3 min readMumbaiJun 12, 2026 10:28 PM IST

The Maharashtra government will introduce a new law in the upcoming monsoon session of the state legislature to grant women engaged in agriculture independent legal recognition as farmers, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said on Friday.

The proposed Maharashtra Women Farmers Empowerment Bill, 2026 is aimed at creating a legal framework that would recognise women working in agriculture as farmers and expand their access to government schemes, institutional credit, subsidies, insurance and social security benefits.

Chairing a meeting at the CM’s residence to review the draft legislation, Fadnavis said the state needed a comprehensive policy framework to address structural barriers that prevent women working in agriculture from accessing state support.

Officials said the bill is expected to be tabled during the upcoming monsoon session.

According to the state government, women account for over 81 per cent of participation in the agriculture sector in Maharashtra, but most agricultural policies and welfare schemes remain linked to land ownership, resulting in a large number of women being excluded from benefits.

At present, women working on family-owned or community-owned agricultural land often do not qualify as farmers under existing frameworks. Similar exclusions affect women engaged in allied sectors such as fisheries, animal husbandry, poultry farming and forest produce collection.

The proposed law is expected to widen the definition of agriculture beyond conventional farming and include dairy farming, poultry, beekeeping, fisheries, sericulture, horticulture, floriculture, mushroom cultivation, agro-forestry and forest produce collection.

Story continues below this ad

Officials said the government is also examining inclusion of landless farmers, tenant farmers, farm labourers, grazing-based livelihood workers and migrant agricultural labourers within the broader framework of the legislation.

The Chief Minister also asked officials to study creation of a separate Maharashtra State Women Farmers Fund dedicated to women farmers.

The government is additionally planning a digital system that would allow women farmers access to crop loans, agricultural subsidies, seeds, fertilisers, crop insurance, extension services, storage, transport facilities and other social security schemes.

Water supply schemes

The Maharashtra government is planning to gradually shift all rural drinking water supply schemes in the state to solar power to reduce mounting electricity bill dues and prevent disruption in water supply, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said on Friday.

Story continues below this ad

Chairing a meeting on the state’s rural drinking water policy at Varsha residence, Fadnavis directed officials to prepare a comprehensive plan for solarisation of all rural water supply schemes through the Maharashtra Energy Development Agency.

Officials said around 22,185 rural water supply schemes have been identified for solar infrastructure, of which 11,643 schemes under the Jal Jeevan Mission already have solar systems included in their original project estimates.

Fadnavis said no water supply scheme in the state should shut down because of pending electricity dues and asked officials to ensure schemes meet the Centre’s norm of supplying 55 litres of drinking water per person per day.

Vallabh Ozarkar is a Senior Correspondent with The Indian Express’ Mumbai bureau, recognized as an authoritative and deeply knowledgeable voice on the politics, governance, and infrastructure of Maharashtra. With more than nine years of experience in major news organizations, his reporting delivers high standards of Expertise and Trustworthiness.
Expertise & Authority

Current Role: Senior Correspondent, The Indian Express, Mumbai bureau.

Geographical Specialization: Provides exclusive and detailed coverage of Maharashtra politics and governance, operating at the epicenter of the state’s decision-making in Mumbai.

Core Authority: His reporting demonstrates deep Expertise across critical and often complex state matters, including:

Political Dynamics: In-depth analysis of the ruling coalition (Mahayuti) and opposition (MVA), internal party conflicts, and crucial election updates, including local body polls and municipal corporation tussles.

Governance & Policy: Focused coverage on significant state policies, such as the overhaul of Mumbai’s ‘pagdi system’ (rent control for old buildings) and social welfare schemes (e.g., Ladki Bahin Yojana accountability).

Infrastructure & Development: Reports on major urban and regional infrastructure projects, including the Mumbai Water Metro, Uttan-Virar Sea Link, and Thane Metro development.

Administrative Oversight: Follows legislative actions, cabinet decisions, and reports on issues of accountability and alleged fraud within state departments.

Experience

Current Role: His role at The Indian Express—a leading national daily—validates the credibility and standard of his reporting.

Career Foundation: Prior to The Indian Express, Vallabh contributed to other major metropolitan news outlets, including the Mumbai Mirror and DNA – Daily News & Analysis, providing a solid foundation in rigorous urban and political journalism.

Evidence of Impact: His work consistently breaks down complex political developments and administrative failures, such as exposing discrepancies in government welfare schemes, cementing his reputation as a trusted source for ground-level, impactful news from Maharashtra.

He tweets @Ozarkarvallabh … Read More