Women Farmers’ Empowerment Bill passed unanimously in Maharashtra Assembly

The Maharashtra Assembly unanimously passed the Women Farmers’ Empowerment Bill to grant official recognition and welfare access to women in agriculture. The legislation aims to address historical gender disparities in farming rights.
Why it matters
This is a landmark legislative move that could set a precedent for gender equality in agricultural policy across India.
In a landmark move, the Maharashtra Assembly on Thursday (July 2, 2026) unanimously passed the Women Farmers’ Empowerment Bill, aimed at recognising women farmers so they get access to welfare schemes which have traditionally benefited men. It will next be tabled in the Maharashtra Legislative Council.
The article reports on the legislative process and includes perspectives from both the government and opposition.
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