Traditionally, agriculture has been perceived as male-dominated, with women relegated to supporting roles. The image of a farmer often conjures an old man in a dhoti, but this narrative is evolving. Today, women are key agents of agricultural innovation, particularly in the context of climate change. They serve as the unseen force behind resilient farming systems, merging indigenous knowledge with modern practices to ensure food security amidst growing environmental uncertainties.
India’s agricultural sector is highly vulnerable to climate variability. Erratic monsoons, rising temperatures, and frequent droughts and floods disproportionately affect smallholder farmers, many of whom are women. These women, often balancing roles of caregivers and household managers, are at the forefront of adaptation efforts. Their intimate understanding of local ecosystems and crops, combined with traditional knowledge, makes them crucial in building climate-resilient agricultural systems.
During my visits to rural India, I met Mita Devi, a farmer from drought-prone Maharashtra. With her husband migrating to the city due to droughts, Mita took charge of her family’s farm. She joined a women-led self-help group that exchanged drought-resistant millet seeds and shared sustainable farming techniques. This collective action allowed these women to maintain productivity despite extreme water scarcity. Such grassroots initiatives highlight the vital role women play in fostering knowledge sharing and crop diversification, both critical for climate resilience.
In addition to community-based initiatives, women in rural India are also custodians of traditional knowledge. They manage seed banks, practice crop rotation, and use organic fertilizers—practices integral to resilient farming systems. In Odisha, for instance, I encountered women working with agricultural extension officers to adopt flood-tolerant rice varieties. This partnership ensured crop survival during heavy rainfall and illustrated the potential of integrating scientific advancements with traditional practices.
Despite their essential role in agriculture, women face significant structural barriers. Access to land, credit, and technology remains limited for many women farmers, constraining their ability to fully participate in climate-resilient practices. According to a study by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), women in India own only 13% of farmland despite making up 75% of the workforce. This disparity hinders access to government schemes and financial support. To unlock the full potential of women in agriculture, policy interventions must address these barriers. Gender-sensitive policies ensuring equitable access to land, credit, and training can empower women and enhance their contributions to climate resilience.
Technology can also be a game-changer. Mobile-based platforms providing weather updates and market information can help women make informed decisions. Public and private partnerships could play a key role in developing affordable, climate-resilient technologies tailored to women’s needs.
Women are not passive victims of climate change but active agents of adaptation and resilience. Their leadership in adopting climate-resilient practices is essential for ensuring agriculture’s sustainability amid growing climatic challenges. Empowering women will enhance food security and pave the way for environmental sustainability in an increasingly unpredictable world.

Tanya Barpanda

University/College name : Odisha University of Agriculture & Technology, Bhubaneswar, Odisha