The signal has come from the top advisory table. S. Mahendra Dev, chairman of the Prime Minister's Economic Advisory Council, has said the Centre is considering legislation for women farmers' empowerment — and he has pointed to a Maharashtra law as the benchmark. For millions of women who work India's fields but rarely appear in its land records, the prospect of a national law changes the conversation entirely.
Centre considering women farmers' legislation, PM-EAC chairman signals
According to the report, Dev said the Centre is considering legislation aimed at empowering women farmers. He made the remark while describing the Maharashtra Women Farmers Empowerment Act, 2026 as a landmark law.
In his assessment, other states can draw inspiration from what Maharashtra has done. The statement is notable because it comes from the PM-EAC chairman, whose advisory position gives such remarks substantial policy weight.
Why a women-specific farm law matters beyond recognition
Women carry out a large share of agricultural work in India, yet their contribution is often invisible in official documents. A law built specifically around women farmers would address more than symbolism.
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