Ranchi, September 03, 2026: Jharkhand is preparing a new agriculture scheme aimed at making women farmers more economically independent by connecting them with better markets, value addition, technology and livelihood opportunities.
The proposed Mahila Kisan Khushhali Yojana was the focus of a stakeholder consultation organised by the Agriculture Department at Hotel Radisson Blu in Ranchi on Thursday. Agriculture Minister Shilpi Neha Tirkey said the scheme is being shaped through direct feedback from women farmers and organisations working in the agriculture sector.
Rather than treating the consultation as a formality, Tirkey called for its suggestions to be reflected in the final scheme. She said the initiative has the potential to change the way farming is approached across Jharkhand, where traditional agricultural practices remain widespread.
Scheme to focus on income beyond traditional farming
The Agriculture Department’s proposed approach goes beyond increasing women’s participation in cultivation. Officials said the scheme will focus on building women’s capacity, involving them in decision-making and creating better avenues to sell agricultural produce.
Agriculture Department Special Secretary Gopal Ji Tiwari said the scheme would seek to improve women’s access to markets and increase their earnings through value-added agricultural activities. He emphasised that stakeholder feedback would be important in determining the scheme’s final structure.
Agriculture Director Vidyanand Sharma Pankaj said the draft is being developed with an emphasis on practical economic benefits for beneficiaries. Suggestions received during the consultation will be considered while finalising its scope and implementation framework.
Government looks to expand women’s role in agriculture
The proposed initiative comes alongside other government programmes intended to increase women’s participation in economic activities.
JSLPS CEO Ananya Mittal said around 32 lakh women are currently associated with nearly 3.2 lakh self-help groups under the organisation and are pursuing livelihoods through different businesses, including activities supported by loans.
Animal Husbandry Director Robin Toppo highlighted women’s participation in livestock-based livelihoods, including poultry, pig and duck farming, under government programmes.
Stakeholders invited to shape the final scheme
The consultation included a presentation on the concept and draft framework of the Mahila Kisan Khushhali Yojana. This was followed by an open-house discussion involving stakeholders and women farmers.
Participants discussed the proposed objectives and scope of the scheme as well as integrated farming system models and other aspects of implementation.
The Agriculture Department is expected to use the feedback from the consultation while refining the scheme before its final implementation.
