The Union Minister for Agriculture, Sharad Pawar today said that 30 per cent funds of various agricultural schemes are being allocated towards development of women farmers with a focus on formation of Women Self Help Groups. Speaking at the Consultative Committee Meeting of his Ministry on 'Women in Agriculture' in New Delhi, Mr. Pawar said that rural women play a pivotal role in the entire gamut of agricultural operations ranging from land preparation to post-harvesting operations and their access to productive assets like seed, water, credit, subsidy needs to be enhanced.

Mr. Pawar said that Agriculture Ministry has taken various steps to improve the condition of women farmers and there are number of schemes being implemented wherein there is a provision for women-specific activities. These include Gramin Bhandaran Yojana, Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana, National Food Security Mission and National Horticulture Mission. Mr Pawar said that other Ministries have also been working towards empowering women farmers.