ZenToks Publication

Chapter 6

Role of Extension Services in Enhancing Women Access to New Knowledge

Abstract/Preface

Women contribute 70 % of total agricultural labour in developing countries, particularly in India’s smallholder farming systems. Yet, they remain systematically excluded from agricultural extension services, formal training, digital technologies, and institutional decision-making. Gender mainstreaming the systematic integration of gender perspectives into all development policies and programs has become an important approach to address this structural inequity. This paper discusses in detail of gender mainstreaming in Indian agriculture, with specific focus on the role of extension services, institutional mechanisms, and government schemes in enhancing women farmers’ access to new knowledge and technologies. However, drawing on evidence from national and international literature, government program evaluations, ICAR research reports, and NRLM implementation data, this study examines the conceptual foundations of gender mainstreaming, the limitations of traditional male-centric extension systems, the effectiveness of gender-sensitive extension approaches, and the transformative role of Self-Help Groups (SHGs), Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), and ICAR’s CIWA institute. The paper also assesses six major Government of India schemes MKSP, NRLM, RKVY, PMFBY, PMKSY, and SMAM in advancing gender equity in agriculture. The paper proposes a multi-pillar framework for gender-responsive extension and concludes that empowering women farmers is both a social justice imperative and a strategic necessity for achieving India’s agricultural  development goals.