Corteva's #2MillionWomen Program Empowers Nearly 8 Lakh in Rural India

Corteva Agrisciences has reported significant progress with its #2MillionWomen initiative, reaching over 795,000 individuals across 22 states in India over the last two years. This program focuses on empowering women involved in agriculture by providing them with essential skills, knowledge, and leadership opportunities.

Since its launch in September 2024, the initiative has directly engaged more than 637,000 women, training nearly 49,000 as leaders and community champions. These women are key players in transforming agricultural practices and strengthening rural livelihoods. Additionally, the program has provided training to over 90,000 farmers, improving farming methods and enhancing productivity on more than 171,000 hectares of land.

The project has also contributed to strengthening over 154,000 livelihoods by promoting sustainable and effective agricultural techniques. Through these efforts, Corteva aims to support women as entrepreneurs, farmers, and community influencers, helping them achieve greater economic independence and social recognition.

Subroto Geed, President of APAC at Corteva Agriscience, emphasized the importance of women's roles in Indian agriculture. He stated, "Women have long been the backbone of Indian agriculture, and through the #2MillionWomen initiative, we have worked to ensure their contributions are recognized and supported. By providing access to skills, opportunities, and networks, we have seen women emerge as leaders, entrepreneurs, and changemakers whose impact extends far beyond the farm." Geed also highlighted the program’s ongoing commitment to expanding opportunities for women throughout the agricultural value chain.

As the initiative moves into its next phase, Corteva plans to continue fostering women-led institutions and creating new avenues for women to succeed in agriculture. This ongoing support is expected to further enhance the role of women in rural communities and agricultural enterprises.

Poonam Tiwari, associated with the Bandhavgarh Krishi Vanopaj Producer Company in Madhya Pradesh, shared her perspective on the program’s impact. She noted, "The biggest change has been the confidence of women to lead. More women are participating in decision-making, engaging with markets, and taking on leadership roles. They are creating opportunities for themselves and for others around them. Corteva’s support has helped us strengthen our organization and expand our impact across farming communities." Her comments reflect the growing empowerment and influence of women in rural agricultural sectors.

Pravesh Sharma, former Managing Director of the Small Farmers’ Agribusiness Consortium (SFAC), a government body in India, also spoke on the significance of such initiatives. He remarked, "Women are integral to Indian agriculture and rural development. Strengthening their access to knowledge, skills and opportunities can improve livelihoods and build more resilient communities. Collaborative initiatives such as #2MillionWomen can play an important role in enabling women to participate, lead and contribute to the future of agriculture." Sharma’s remarks underscore the potential of targeted programs to foster inclusive growth and sustainability in farming.

India’s agriculture sector employs a large portion of the population, with women playing a critical yet often underrecognized role. Empowering women in this sector is increasingly seen as vital to improving food security, boosting rural incomes, and fostering sustainable farming practices. Programs like Corteva’s #2MillionWomen align with broader efforts to enhance gender equity and economic development in rural India.

By focusing on training, leadership development, and community support, the initiative addresses multiple dimensions of empowerment. It equips women with practical agricultural skills while also encouraging their participation in decision-making and entrepreneurial activities. These combined efforts contribute to stronger, more resilient rural communities.

As the #2MillionWomen initiative continues, its impact is expected to grow, benefiting thousands more women and farmers across India. Corteva’s commitment highlights the increasing recognition within the agribusiness sector of the value of investing in women as catalysts for rural progress and agricultural innovation.