Chandigarh: 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 reveals that women constitute 64.4 percent of India’s agricultural workforce, yet only 6 percent to 10 percent 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.”
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.”
