The first state in India to legally publish a policy declaration recognizing women farmers as key players in agricultural continuity and climate resilience is Odisha.
According to reports from The New Indian Express, the document would direct future government actions at a time when international organizations are getting ready for the United Nations' 2026 International Year of the Woman Farmer.
Biodiversity, Heritage, and Land Access
The state's Agriculture and Farmers' Empowerment Department drafted the proclamation, which outlines steps to improve agro-biodiversity, increase control over agricultural resources, and highlight indigenous knowledge systems.
It advocates for specific assistance for single women farmers and suggests actions to promote the registration of farmland in women's names through joint or individual titles.

The text also mentions entitlements under the Forest Rights Act and calls for simpler access to governmental programs related to agriculture.
The majority of Odisha's farm workers are women.
According to the TNIE reports, data from the declaration indicates that women make up the majority of the state's agricultural labor force and are involved in various stages of seed management and production.
Although women own a relatively small percentage of agricultural land, their engagement spans from crop production and seed conservation to processing and local trading.
Assistance for Cooperatives
The policy states that for a minimum of five years, women-led cooperatives and Farmer-Producer Organizations will be eligible for extended financial aid and technical advice.

Additionally, it suggests ways to safeguard old types and promote lesser-known crops through identification, documentation, and incentives.