Agriculture Insurance Company of India Limited has launched the Krishi Sakhi Initiative, a nationwide programme aimed at empowering women farmers and enhancing their participation in agriculture and crop insurance, in alignment with the recognition of 2026 as the International Year of the Woman Farmer by the United Nations through the Food and Agriculture Organization.
The initiative is designed as a structured series of month wise activities to be implemented across the organisation’s Head Office and Regional Offices, with a focus on creating awareness, encouraging inclusion and recognising the contribution of women farmers in strengthening India’s agricultural sector.
The Agriculture Insurance Company of India Limited said the initiative seeks to promote inclusive growth by increasing women’s engagement in agricultural practices and improving their access to crop insurance schemes, financial protection and institutional support mechanisms.
As part of the programme rollout, the organisation began activities in January 2026 with the release of an introductory awareness video across social media platforms to build visibility and outreach for the initiative. In February, a walkathon was organised at the Head Office involving employees, symbolising solidarity and collective support for women in agriculture under the theme AIC for Her, highlighting resilience and empowerment.
In March, the initiative has moved to field level implementation with workshops and awareness programmes being conducted for women farmers. These sessions focus on educating participants about crop insurance schemes, benefits, risk mitigation strategies and the importance of financial security in agriculture.
Officials indicated that the outreach efforts are designed to ensure that women farmers are better informed about available government backed insurance mechanisms, thereby enabling them to safeguard their livelihoods against crop losses and climate related risks.
The Krishi Sakhi Initiative also includes a comprehensive year long engagement plan. Upcoming activities include publication of articles and interviews highlighting the role and achievements of women in agriculture, as well as targeted awareness campaigns on sanitation and hygiene in rural areas, particularly focusing on women farmers and rural households.
The programme aims to create a sustained communication framework that not only promotes awareness but also fosters behavioural change, capacity building and long term participation of women in agricultural decision making and allied sectors.
By integrating awareness, training and community engagement, the initiative seeks to strengthen the role of women as key stakeholders in India’s agricultural ecosystem, while also supporting broader objectives of financial inclusion, risk management and rural development.
The Agriculture Insurance Company of India Limited stated that the initiative will continue to expand through coordinated efforts across regions, ensuring wider outreach and deeper impact throughout the year.
