A global agricultural leader Corteva Agriscience launched the program in New Delhi, to support two million women across India’s agri-value chain by 2030. This program provides targeted support, tools, and resources; Corteva aims to enable women as farmers, researchers, and entrepreneurs. It focuses on equitable access to resources and decision-making roles, improving productivity techniques, and enhancing food security. This initiative transcends traditional corporate social responsibility, fostering a movement that integrates gender equality, sustainable development, and economic growth.
At the initiative's launch, Subroto Geed, President of South Asia for Corteva Agriscience, said, “Women are the backbone of rural life and agriculture. Corteva is dedicated to enhancing their incomes and lives through access to better farming methods, education, and sustainable practices. We believe this focus will accelerate India’s journey toward becoming a developed nation. We are proud to embrace this social responsibility, taking steps toward a Viksit Bharat.”
Anuja Kadian, Director of Government & Industry Affairs for Asia Pacific at Corteva, added, “Our $2 million initiative connects gender equality, economic growth, and environmental sustainability. By equipping women with the necessary tools, knowledge, and resources, Corteva is enabling them to lead in sustainable development, aligning with India’s objectives of economic empowerment, food security, and sustainability.”
The $2 million initiative by Corteva aims to position women as key drivers of agricultural growth and innovation. Objective of these efforts towards advancing innovation, economic development, and food security and inclusivity in the agricultural sector. Corteva, Inc. (NYSE: CTVA) is a global agriculture company that leverages innovative solutions, customer engagement, and operational execution to offer solutions to critical agricultural challenges.
Heera Lal, Special Secretary in the Uttar Pradesh government, promoted an inductive approach to improving the dilemma of women farmers. Arun Kumar Panda from ICAR-Central Institute for Women in Agriculture emphasized the importance of gender-specific data in policy development.
During a roundtable discussion followed by the launch, Subha Thakur, Additional Secretary in the Union Agriculture Ministry, called for enhanced collaboration between public and private sectors to better integrate women farmers into the mainstream of agriculture. Thakur stated, “More than half of the 14 crore farmers are women, yet their contributions often go unrecognized,”.
The discussion includes the participation and contributions from Kalpana Sastry Regulagedda, Managing Director of Ag-Hub Foundation; Avinash Kumar, Executive Director of Earthood; Ebha Singh, Founder and MD of Ghar Ayee Nanhi Pari; Babita Khachi, Director of Viniera Vineyards FPO; and Arunansh B Goswami, a Supreme Court advocate.
