Breaking barriers: How women farmers are driving India’s cash crops, dairy growth, and food security | Agrispective | EP 01 |

In this episode of Agrispective, businessline’s Subramani Ra Mancombu speaks with Naveen Patidar, CEO of the Aga Khan Rural Support Programme (AKRSP), about the growing role of women in Indian agriculture. While women contribute to nearly 80% of farm and livestock activities, their access to land ownership, credit, and income remains limited. The episode begins with how rural women are stepping into leadership roles in farming, irrigation, and entrepreneurship. Patidar shares the success of the Solar Didi initiative in Bihar, where women manage solar-powered irrigation services and earn steady incomes. He goes on to talk about women-led Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) that give female farmers more control over profits and decision-making.  This episode sheds light on the challenges women face in agriculture and the steps needed to recognise them as farmers in their own right. From fieldwork to financial empowerment, their contributions are essential to food security and rural prosperity.  Tune in to hear how grassroots efforts are reshaping the future of Indian agriculture by placing women at the centre of progress.  (Host: Subramani Ra Mancombu, Producer: Prethicshaa Gurumoorthy)