The State government will introduce the Maharashtra Women Farmers Empowerment Bill, 2026, during the upcoming Monsoon Session of the Legislative Assembly beginning on June 22, seeking to grant women farmers independent legal recognition and improve their access to welfare schemes and institutional support, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced on Friday (June 12, 2026).

Mr. Fadnavis reviewed a preliminary presentation on the draft Bill at a meeting attended by Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Ajit Pawar, Agriculture Minister Dattatray Bharane and Minister of State for Agriculture Ashish Jaiswal at his official residence on Friday.

“Women account for more than 81% of participation in Maharashtra’s agricultural sector. However, most agricultural policies and government schemes remain male-centric. Since land ownership is often a prerequisite for availing benefits under agricultural schemes, a large number of women farmers are excluded from these benefits. Women cultivating family- or community-owned land, as well as those engaged in allied activities such as fisheries, livestock rearing, poultry farming and collection of forest produce, are often not recognised as farmers. It is against this backdrop that the proposed legislation has been drafted,” he said.

Digital system

The Chief Minister directed officials to undertake a detailed study for developing an effective digital system through which women farmers can access State government loan schemes, agricultural subsidies, seeds, fertilisers, crop insurance, extension services, market facilities, transportation, storage infrastructure and social security schemes.