From Leaving a Job in the US to Leading Fields: Meet These Successful Women Farmers Transforming Indian Agriculture

Farming in India has long been seen as a man’s job, even though women have always played an important role in the fields. From sowing seeds to harvesting crops, women contribute significantly—but their efforts often go unnoticed. However, many women are now stepping forward, becoming leaders in agriculture, and showing the world that farming is not just for men.

Here are the list of remarkable women who have broken stereotypes, faced challenges head-on, and created success stories that continue to inspire others across the country. 

1. Gaytri Bhatia – The Environmentalist Who Chose Farming over US Job 

Hailing from: Wada, Maharashtra

Profession: Former environmental analyst in the USA, now organic farmer

Gaytri Bhatia left her high-paying corporate job in America to return to her family’s land in Maharashtra. She was shocked to see how farming had become dependent on chemicals and genetically modified seeds. Determined to make a change, she transformed Vrindavan Farm into a lush, organic haven.

She now grows over 30 varieties of heirloom tomatoes, along with local fruits like mangoes and moringa. She works with local tribal women, teaching them to make jam and other products from local fruits. By doing this, she is helping preserve native plants and traditional farming knowledge, while creating a sustainable source of income for the community.

Gaytri also raises awareness about the dangers of genetically modified (GM) seeds and harmful chemical usage. Her farm supplies produce to families and restaurants in Mumbai. 

2. Papammal – The Centenarian Farmer from Tamil Nadu

Hailing from: Thekkampatti, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu

Age: Over 100 years

Award: Padma Shri (2021)

Papammal is one of India’s oldest and most respected farmers. Despite her age, she continues to wake up at dawn and work in her 2.5-acre organic farm. She lost her parents at a young age and was raised by her grandmother, who also owned land. Papammal grew up learning the values of hard work, self-reliance, and community leadership.

She is deeply involved in promoting organic and sustainable farming. She has been elected to the local Panchayat twice, and serves as a model farmer with the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR). Her land is used as a practical learning site for agriculture students. She has inspired hundreds of women in her village to actively participate in farming and decision-making, both at home and in the fields.

3. Kisan Chachi Rajkumari Devi – Leading an Agricultural Revolution in Bihar

Hailing from: Anandpur village, Muzaffarpur, Bihar

Awards: Padma Shri (2019), Kisan Shree Award

Rajkumari Devi, famously known as Kisan Chachi, started farming in secret because her in-laws did not support women working in the fields. But that didn’t stop her. She learned modern farming techniques and began experimenting with crop diversification, moving away from the usual wheat and paddy to vegetables, fruits, poultry, and fish farming.

Today, she has transformed over 19 villages through her farming model. She also runs the Anandpur Jyoti Centre, where local women make jams, pickles, and jellies from farm produce, helping them earn income and gain confidence.

She has helped over 300 women form Self Help Groups, giving them access to micro-loans, agricultural knowledge, and better market connections. Her work shows how women can be both farmers and entrepreneurs.

 

4. Bibi Kamaljit Kaur – Empowering Women through Organic Farming

Hailing from: Barnala district, Punjab

Known for: Leading 2,000 organic kitchen gardens

Kamaljit Kaur is a symbol of strength and change in Punjab. A mother of two, she manages both her family and her farming initiatives with great passion. She started her farming journey with small-scale vegetable cultivation, but her desire to grow healthy, chemical-free food pushed her toward organic farming.

Today, she works with over 2,000 women farmers, helping them set up organic kitchen gardens that feed their families and bring extra income. Her work has improved the lives of many rural women, and she has received several awards from local authorities, including one from the Deputy Commissioner of Barnala.

Kamaljit believes in the power of knowledge-sharing and often organizes workshops and training programs for women, encouraging them to become self-reliant and confident. 

5. Atram Padma Bai – Sarpanch and Tool Bank Creator

Hailing from: Telangana

Known for: Setting up a tool-hiring centre and leading eight villages

Padma Bai started as a cotton farmer with just 3 acres of land, but her ambitions reached far beyond her fields. She realized that many small farmers couldn’t afford basic tools for farming. So, she started a tool-hiring centre, where farmers could borrow tools like spades, sickles, and wheelbarrows for a small fee.

Her idea changed the lives of poor farmers in the area, and soon she was elected as the Sarpanch (village head) of eight villages. She has since brought major development projects to these areas, including concrete roads, clean water supply, and rainwater reservoirs.

Padma Bai also champions the rights of women farmers, encouraging them to claim their land and become financially independent. 

6. Binita Kumari- Mushroom Maven of Banka 

Hailing from: Banka, BiharBanka, Bihar

Known for: Mushroom cultivation

Binita Kumari comes from a traditional farming family where she grew up helping in the fields. From an early age, she was curious about new ways to improve farming and wanted to try something different from the usual crops. Her interest led her to learn about mushroom cultivation, a less common but profitable farming method.

To gain proper knowledge, Binita took training from Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) in Banka, where she learned how to produce spawn (mushroom seeds) and grow various types of mushrooms throughout the year. This new skill helped her move beyond conventional farming and explore innovative agriculture.

Starting small, Binita worked hard to master mushroom farming. Over time, her dedication paid off—she began producing high-quality mushrooms and spawn regularly. Now, she earns an annual income of about ₹2.5 to ₹3 lakh, a significant amount that has improved her family’s livelihood.

Binita’s journey is inspiring because it shows how being open to new ideas, learning continuously, and putting in effort can help farmers, especially women, succeed and create better futures.