Business EconomyPosted at: Mar 21 2025 7:39PM


Women form 64.4 pc of agri workforce, yet 6 pc-10 pc work in top agri companies : Report

Kolkata, Mar 21 (UNI) Women constitute 64.4 per cent of India’s agricultural workforce, yet only 6 per cent to 10 per cent are employed in top agri and agri-related companies.
Godrej Agrovet Limited (Godrej Agrovet), a diversified R&D-focused food and agri-business conglomerate, in collaboration with the Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad (IIMA) and Godrej DEI Lab, launched the report “Women in Agribusiness – Opportunities and Challenges” at its second Women in Agriculture Summit.
The report revealed that women constitute 64.4 per cent of India’s agricultural workforce, yet only 6 per cent to 10 per cent are employed in top agri and agri-related companies. It outlines actionable measures to foster inclusion, innovation, and equitable growth in agribusiness.
Commenting on the report, Balram Singh Yadav, Managing Director, Godrej Agrovet, said, “At Godrej Agrovet, we believe the future of agribusiness lies in empowering women through education, workplace inclusivity, and leadership development. By championing mentorship, aligning skills with industry needs, and fostering inclusive ecosystems, we aim to drive meaningful change and build a resilient, equitable sector.”
He further added, “Last year, we pledged to support 100,000 women across the agri value chain, and I’m proud to share that we’ve positively impacted 20,000 women in just one year. Through training, creating safe spaces and enabling leadership, we are building an empowered agribusiness community.”
Prof. Vidya Vemireddy, Faculty Member, IIMA, noted, “The agricultural landscape in India presents us with a striking paradox: women constitute a significant portion of the agricultural workforce and educational cohorts, yet a major proportion of the graduates do not enter the formal employment structures and leadership positions. This study addresses critical knowledge gaps regarding women’s participation in formal employment relationships within agribusiness enterprises.”
The report provides a roadmap to bridge gender disparities in agriculture. It calls for equitable access to resources, gender-responsive training, and inclusive workplace reforms. Prioritizing education-to-employment transitions, enhancing leadership representation, and leveraging financial and technological tools are highlighted as transformative strategies. Together, these actions aim to empower women and foster equitable growth across the agricultural value chain.
At the summit, Nisaba Godrej, Executive Chairperson of Godrej Consumer Products Limited, and Balram Singh Yadav announced the launch of the Godrej Agrovet Women in Agriculture Scholarship, empowering five students pursuing agricultural studies and fostering the next generation of women leaders.
Mallika Mutreja, Head – Human Resources, Godrej Agrovet, added, “Females account for 30 percent to 40 percent of total enrollment in agricultural studies, yet only 6 percent to 10 percent work in top agri and agri-related companies. This stark gap highlights the need for the industry to take proactive steps to bridge these disparities. By fostering inclusive policies and creating opportunities, it is possible to address this imbalance and also unlock the innovation and resilience that women bring to the sector, driving its sustainable growth.”
“At Godrej Agrovet, we have increased women’s representation from 8 percent to 12 percent in FY25 and are committed to reaching 32 percent by FY28. Through initiatives like creche and care policies, alongside ensuring a safe and secure environment for women in frontline roles, we are fostering an inclusive and supportive workplace that empowers women to thrive,” she further added.
To showcase its commitment to empowering women across the food value chain—from farm to fork—Godrej Agrovet highlighted the impactful initiatives of its wholly-owned subsidiary, Godrej Foods Limited (GFL). By supporting farmers like Bhagyamma in Karnataka and Jayshri in Nashik, and enabling distribution leaders like Rozaline in Manipur, GFL is fostering inclusivity and resilience, according to a media statement here on Friday.
Through programs like WINGS, GFL is bringing more women into sales, marketing, and leadership roles, driving innovation and shaping an equitable and sustainable food supply chain led by women.
The summit also featured two panel discussions. “Breaking Barriers for Women in Agriculture”, moderated by Mallika Mutreja, Head – Human Resources, Godrej Agrovet, included panelists Kirti Jangra, Co-Founder, Animall; Asha Kharga, Chief Customer and Brand Officer, Mahindra Group; Anitha Polimetla, Head of HR APAC & Global HRBP, BASF and Prof. Vidya Vemireddy, Faculty Member, Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad (IIMA).
“Boardroom to Breakthroughs: Women in Leadership”, moderated by Parmesh Shahani, Head – Godrej DEI Lab, featured Neetu Kashiramka, Managing Director, VIP Industries; Ritu Verma, Founder and Managing Partner, Ankur Capital; and Soumya Rajan, Managing Director, Waterfield Advisors.
The Women in Agriculture Summit has become a catalyst for systemic change. Through its initiatives and insights, Godrej Agrovet is leading efforts to recognize, celebrate, and amplify women’s contributions, paving the way for a more inclusive and equitable agricultural future.
UNI SJC KK
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