Women's Agripreneurship in India's Maharashtra State: An Analysis of the AC & ABC Scheme

The purpose of this study is to investigate the impact of the Agri Clinics and Agri Business Centers (AC&ABC) scheme of the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare (MoA&FW), Government of India, on Women Agripreneurship (WA) in Maharashtra, India. Using secondary data from 2002-2022 available at the AC&ABC cell at the National Institute of Agricultural Extension Management (MANAGE), we assessed WA in Maharashtra. The analysis employed descriptive statistics and visual representations. Our findings indicate that the AC&ABC scheme has limited women's participation, with only 8.6% of trained candidates being women. Maharashtra State leads in terms of trained women and established agri-ventures. Notably, older women agripreneurs, particularly in the 53-60 age group, exhibit the highest success rate. Additionally, diploma holders have a success rate of 53.95%, and preferences lean towards Livestock Farming, Agri Clinics, and Agri Business Centers. In terms of practical implications, our study underscores the need for enhanced training and support for women entrepreneurs in agriculture. Policymakers should focus on expanding training programs, providing greater financial resources, and establishing more extensive marketing networks. From a theoretical standpoint, our research highlights the untapped potential of women in agriculture and their role in promoting rural development, poverty alleviation, and women's empowerment with the support of policymakers. This study is the first exploratory examination of women participating in the AC&ABC scheme in Maharashtra, India, aimed at promoting WA. The AC&ABC scheme stands as one of the world's largest government interventions in agripreneurship promotion. Our findings reveal critical factors influencing the success of women agripreneurs in the region, offering valuable guidance for future research.


Introduction
India is one of the world's leading producers of agricultural commodities, and agriculture plays a critical role in providing livelihood for millions of people in the country. 1 Agriculture contributes to about 17% of India's GDP and provides employment to over 40% of the country's workforce. 2Women's participation in agriculture is crucial for improving agricultural productivity, ensuring food security, and promoting rural development. 35][6] Recognizing the importance of women in agriculture, the Indian government has been implementing various initiatives to promote agricultural development and increase women's participation in the sector.
In recent years, the Indian government has introduced several schemes and policies to promote women agripreneurship (WA), such as the Mahila Kisan Sashaktikaran Pariyojana (MKSP), which aims to empower women farmers by providing them with access to resources, knowledge, and services. 7,8The Agri Clinics and Agri Business Centers (AC&ABC) scheme is another such initiative, focusing on fostering Agripreneurship among young graduates and supporting them in establishing Agri Clinics and Agri Business centers. 9e AC&ABC scheme has been successful in promoting agripreneurship, but studies indicate that women's participation in the program remains low. 10 Barriers such as gender norms, limited access to resources, and a lack of confidence in entrepreneurial abilities may be contributing to this disparity. 10Identifying and addressing these barriers is critical to ensuring that women can fully participate in and benefit from the AC&ABC scheme and other similar initiatives.
][19][20][21][22] However, there is still limited understanding of the status of WA and the factors influencing women's involvement in the AC&ABC scheme and the potential benefits of their increased participation in this initiative.
In this article authors have explored the current status of WA and derived deeper insights from it.This study contributes to the development of targeted interventions and policies to promote women's empowerment in agriculture and Agripreneurship in Maharashtra and other regions of India.

Agri Clinics and Agri Business Centres (AC&ABC) Scheme
The AC&ABC scheme was launched by the Government of India in 2002 as a comprehensive program to encourage and support agricultural entrepreneurship (agripreneurship) among qualified agricultural graduates.Administered by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare (MoA&FW) and implemented through the National Institute of Agricultural Extension Management (MANAGE), the AC&ABC scheme addresses the challenges faced by the agricultural sector in India by creating selfemployment opportunities for agriculture graduates and providing much-needed support services to the farmers.
The objectives of the AC&ABC scheme include creating self-employment opportunities for unemployed agricultural graduates, promoting agripreneurship, providing professional agricultural extension and advisory services to farmers, and supporting innovation and adoption of new technologies in agriculture.To achieve these objectives, the scheme offers comprehensive and intensive residential training programs through selected partner institutions called Nodal Training Institutes (NTIs) across the country free of cost for 45 days.The training covers various aspects of agriculture, including agri clinic (agro advisory centre), agribusiness centre (agri input retail store) crop production, livestock and poultry management, marketing, finance, and project management.
Upon successful completion of the training, agripreneurs are eligible to access credit facilities which is loan up to ₹20 lakhs (approx.$ 24,000/-) for individual projects and up to ₹ 1 crore (approx.$1,21,000/-) for group projects, for establishing their agri-ventures.The scheme provides a subsidy on bank loans to reduce the financial burden on the agripreneurs.The subsidy rate varies depending on the category of the entrepreneur: 44% for women agripreneurs, 36% for general category male agripreneurs, and 44% for agripreneurs belonging to Scheduled Caste (SC), Scheduled Tribe (ST), and Other Backward Classes (OBC).This higher subsidy rate for women entrepreneurs is designed to encourage their participation in Agripreneurship.The remaining amount is financed through bank loans, with a repayment period of up to 7 years, including a moratorium of two years.Moreover, the agripreneurs receive continuous support and guidance from MANAGE and the NTIs through regular monitoring, evaluation, and capacity-building initiatives.
There are a total of 83,422 candidates trained under the scheme (by November 2022), of which 36,354 people established businesses, representing a success rate of almost 43.5%.off the 83,422 trained candidates, 7,178 were women.Among women candidates, 2,403 established agri-ventures.

Literature Review
We have reviewed the research work done on WA, and the AC&ABC scheme.We focused on the important role of women in agriculture, the challenges they face, and the impact of the AC&ABC scheme on promoting Agripreneurship.Despite the growing body of research on these topics, there is still a need for more in-depth studies on the specific impact of the AC&ABC scheme on WA, as well as the development of strategies to improve their participation and success in the sector.By addressing these gaps, future research can contribute to the design and implementation of more effective policies and interventions that support women's empowerment and involvement in Agripreneurship in India.

Women's role in Agriculture and Agripreneurship
4][25][26][27][28] Their involvement in various agricultural activities, including cultivation, livestock rearing, food processing, and marketing, significantly impacts food security and household well-being in developing countries. 29The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) estimates that if women had the same access to resources as men, agricultural output in developing countries could increase by 2.5-4%, potentially reducing the number of undernourished people by 12-17%. 29 recent years, the phenomenon of the 'feminization of agriculture' has been observed in developing countries like India, where women's participation in agriculture is on the rise.[30][31][32][33] This trend has been attributed to several factors, such as male out-migration to urban areas for non-farm jobs, leaving women to manage the agricultural activities at home.[34][35][36] Furthermore, women are increasingly participating in Agripreneurship, creating additional income-generating opportunities, and contributing to rural development.37 Women's involvement in agriculture is also associated with sustainable agricultural practices, such as the use of organic farming techniques, crop diversification, and agroforestry.[38][39][40][41] These practices not only contribute to increased agricultural productivity but also help mitigate the effects of climate change, improve soil health, and promote biodiversity.42,43 By incorporating traditional knowledge and adopting innovative practices, women play a crucial role in ensuring the sustainability of agriculture and the resilience of rural communities.44 Empowering women in agriculture has been shown to have a positive impact on agricultural production, household food security, and overall well-being.45,46 Women's empowerment, measured by indicators such as decision-making power, access to resources, and control over income, is associated with improved agricultural outcomes, better nutrition, and enhanced educational opportunities for children.47 As women's roles in agriculture and Agripreneurship continue to expand, it becomes increasingly important to understand and address the challenges they face to ensure their full participation and contribution to the sector.

Challenges Faced by Women in Agripreneurship
Women in agriculture often face numerous challenges, such as limited access to finance, land, training, technology, and market information. 9,10ender bias, discrimination, and stereotypes further exacerbate these challenges, hindering women's success in Agripreneurship. 48The gender gap in agriculture refers to the disparities between men and women in terms of access to resources, opportunities, and benefits within the agricultural sector.Women play a vital role in agriculture, contributing significantly to food production, processing, and marketing activities. 40However, they often face numerous barriers that limit their involvement and success in the sector, leading to a persistent gender gap.A few challenges are mentioned below.

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Access to land and resources: Women often face challenges in obtaining secure land rights, which can hinder their ability to invest in and manage agricultural activities.
In many countries, customary and legal norms restrict women's access to land ownership or inheritance, putting them at a disadvantage compared to men. 49

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Access to finance: Limited access to credit and financial services is another significant barrier faced by women in agriculture. 50Due to gender biases and lack of collateral (often linked to land ownership), women may find it more challenging to secure loans to invest in their agricultural activities. 51

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Access to education and training: Women may have limited access to agricultural education, training, and extension services due to gender stereotypes, social norms, or logistical constraints. 52,53This can result in knowledge gaps and hinder their ability to adopt new technologies and practices that could improve productivity and income.

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Access to markets and networks: Women may face challenges in accessing markets and networks due to social norms, mobility constraints, or limited market information. 52his can limit their ability to sell their produce at competitive prices and engage in profitable value chains.

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Cultural and social norms: Gender biases, discrimination, and stereotypes can create additional challenges for women in agriculture. 10Women may be expected to prioritize household and care responsibilities over their agricultural activities, limiting the time and energy they can dedicate to farming and entrepreneurship.• Limited decision-making power: In many contexts, women may have limited decisionmaking power within households and communities, restricting their ability to make strategic choices regarding agricultural activities. 54This can further exacerbate the gender gap in agriculture.

Impact of the AC&ABC Scheme
][57][58][59][60][61] These studies have shown that the AC&ABC scheme has contributed significantly to the growth of agripreneurship by empowering agricultural graduates and promoting the establishment of numerous agri-ventures across the country.
Women's in the AC&ABC scheme Few studies have examined the impact of the AC&ABC scheme on WA. 62 However, it is known that the scheme has made efforts to encourage women's participation by offering higher subsidy rates, reserved seats in training programs, and targeted capacity-building initiatives. 63evious research has highlighted the critical role of women in agriculture and Agripreneurship, the barriers they face, and the potential of the AC&ABC scheme to support their efforts. 62,64However, there is a need for in-depth research to understand the specific impact of the AC&ABC scheme on women's Agripreneurship and identify strategies for further improving their participation and success in the agriculture sector.

Methodology
This study aims to explore the gender aspect of the AC&ABC scheme, assess women's participation state-wise, and examine socio-economic features, temporal distribution, geographical distribution, and demographic characteristics of women agripreneurs from Maharashtra State, India.The need for the study arises from the under-representation of women in the agricultural sector and the limited opportunities available to them.The AC&ABC scheme offers women access to training, subsidies, and credit to establish agribusiness ventures.The study's objective is to evaluate the scheme's impact on WA and identify factors affecting their success.By understanding these characteristics, the study aims to provide insights for designing effective policies and programs that empower women in agriculture, agripreneruship and promote sustainable development.

Data Collection
The  Recent research underscores the positive influence of women's involvement in agriculture on food security and rural development. 65Additionally, studies indicate that women's participation in agribusiness leads to increased income, strengthened decision-making power, and elevated social status. 66The AC&ABC scheme's success in states like Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu is better as it demonstrates the empowerment of women in agriculture.However, the weak performance of states such as Chandigarh, Delhi, and Goa highlight the necessity for focused efforts to boost women's participation in these areas.
Furthermore, measures should be taken to augment the availability of agri-graduates and National Training Institutes in underperforming states, ensuring the scheme's effective implementation.

Assessing Women's Participation in the AC&ABC Scheme with a Focus on Maharashtra State Demographic characteristics (Age-wise Distribution)
Our study found that women aged 18-24 established 461 businesses, while those aged 25-31 started 380 agri-ventures.(Fig. 2 (A)) The age group 53-60 exhibited the highest success rate at 66.7%, followed by the 39-45 age group with a success rate of 59.2%.Although there were fewer trained women in these groups, a significant percentage became successful entrepreneurs.The study concluded that older female entrepreneurs are as successful as younger ones, with success chances increasing in later life stages. 67ese findings align with previous research on women entrepreneurship in India, indicating that younger women are more likely to engage in entrepreneurial activities. 68 These results support the idea that age is not an entrepreneurship barrier, and older women entrepreneurs can be as successful as younger ones.In fact, the chances of success might be higher for women entrepreneurs in later life stages. 67This is consistent with past research, which found that older entrepreneurs may have valuable experience and networks beneficial for starting and growing a business. 69

Socioeconomic characteristics (Educational Level and Stream-Wise Distribution)
The majority of trained women candidates held bachelor's degrees, but those with diplomas achieved a higher success rate of 53.95% in establishing agriventures.(Fig. 3)

B. Success rate of turning trained women into agripreneurs segmented by educational level
Further it is revealed from the study that diploma holders received more loans compared to those with bachelors, masters, or doctoral degrees (data not shown).In Maharashtra under the AC&ABC scheme, 87.5% of trained women were from the agriculture stream, while only 3.2% were from the horticulture stream.This pattern persisted in business establishment, with agriculture-background women having the highest number of agriventures, followed by those with horticulture backgrounds (3.0%).Additionally, the research found that more diploma holders secured loans than those with higher academic degrees, possibly because diploma holders are often trained in specific trades and may need financial support to start businesses.
Regarding stream-wise distribution, the study reported that the vast majority (87.5%) of trained women came from the agriculture stream, with only a small percentage (3.2%)from the horticulture stream.This pattern was also reflected in agriventure establishments, with women from agriculture backgrounds leading in the number of agriventures, followed by those from horticulture backgrounds.
These findings suggest that the AC&ABC program offers opportunities for women with agriculture backgrounds to become successful entrepreneurs.However, it might be beneficial to explore methods of encouraging women from other streams, like horticulture, to participate in the program and establish their own agriventures.
This study provides essential insights into the educational level and stream-wise distribution of women entrepreneurs in Maharashtra under the AC&ABC program.The findings indicate that practical skills gained through diplomas or vocational training can be valuable in entrepreneurship and that there is a need to encourage women from nonagricultural streams to participate in the program.
The study serves as a solid foundation for future research into the factors contributing to the success of women entrepreneurs in India, with a focus on broadening opportunities for those from diverse educational backgrounds and further promoting their involvement in the AC&ABC scheme.
Table 2 presents the stream-wise distribution of women in Maharashtra who participated in the Agri Clinics and Agri Business Centre scheme, and the agri ventures established by them.The table provides information about the number and percentage of women trained in each degree stream and the number and percentage of agri ventures established by women entrepreneurs.The data covers the period from the inception of the AC&ABC scheme in 2002 till 25th November 2022.
The table also highlights that only a small percentage of women were trained in streams such as Agri Engineering (0.9%), Chemistry (1.2%), and Dairy Technology (1.0%).However, these streams also saw a modest percentage of agri ventures established by women entrepreneurs.
Overall, the table provides important insights into the degree streams that have been most effective in encouraging women's participation in the AC&ABC scheme and the types of agri ventures they have established.This information can be useful in designing targeted training programs for women in Maharashtra and other states to increase their participation in agri-business and entrepreneurship.

Temporal Distribution of Women Trained and Venture Establishment in Maharashtra
Over the past two decades, Maharashtra has experienced a substantial increase in the number of women trained and establishing agriventures through the Agri-Clinics and Agri-Business Centers (AC&ABC) program (Fig. 4-A).

A. Temporal distribution of Number of women candidates trained and Number of Agri-Venture established by women
Between 2012 and 2022, the number of women trained in Maharashtra grew by 316.667%, with the number of women-led ventures increasing by 311.765%.However, the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the program in 2022, leading to a significant decrease in trained women and new agriventures.

Economic Characteristic (Activity wise Distribution)
The table 3 and  It is interesting to note that only a small percentage of ventures are in the areas of Soil Testing Laboratory, Animal Feed Unit, Fishery Clinic, Floriculture, Agro-Eco Tourism, and Pesticides Production and Marketing.This suggests that there may be untapped opportunities in these areas for women entrepreneurs in the agriculture sector.
Overall, the data suggests that women in Maharashtra are actively participating in the Agri Clinics and Agri Business Centre scheme and are involved in a wide range of agricultural activities.The distribution of ventures across various activities provides insights for policymakers and other stakeholders to design targeted interventions that can further encourage and support women's participation in agribusiness.
The ACABC program in the Maharashtra state revealed that the livestock farming activities such as dairy, poultry, pig farming, and goat rearing were the most favored options among women agripreneurs, constituting 43.7% of the total choices.The subsequent most preferred ventures were agri-clinics and agribusiness centers (23.3%) and agri-clinics alone (14.9%).The surge in popularity for agri-clinics can be primarily attributed to their low investment and risk factor, as they offer consultation services and input supply, leading to prompt revenue generation without any gestation period.Other undertakings were less popular owing to an unsuitable environment, inferior product demand, and scope, as stated by Bairwa et al., 2014   Recent studies have also reported similar findings regarding the popularity of dairy and poultry farming among women agripreneurs in India.A study by Gupta et al., 2019 found that 60% of women agripreneurs in Rajasthan were engaged in dairy farming, while 40% were involved in poultry farming. 72Another study by Kaushik et al., 2021) in Haryana reported that dairy farming was the most popular venture among women agripreneurs, with 68% of them involved in this activity.
The findings of this study regarding the popularity of dairy and poultry farming among women agripreneurs in Maharashtra are consistent with other studies conducted in different regions of India.The popularity of agri-clinics and agribusiness centers as low-cost and low-risk options for starting a business has also been reported in some studies. 74,75verall, these findings can help policymakers and development organizations in designing targeted interventions to support women agripreneurs in starting and scaling up their ventures.

Geographical Distribution
Women agripreneurs has effectively established agriventures across 26 different categories in agriculture and related sectors, creating women agripreneurs in 34 districts of Maharashtra State.A recent study by Ragasa et al., 2013 highlights the impact of the ACABC scheme on farmer income and productivity.The study found that farmers who received extension services from women agripreneurs through the ACABC program reported a 36% increase in crop productivity and a 43% increase in income compared to those who did not receive such services.
The ACABC scheme has not only created employment opportunities for women but has also positively impacted the income and productivity of farmers in Maharashtra.However, there is still room for improvement, particularly in regions with poor performance in terms of venture establishment.
The government and other stakeholders should continue to support and invest in programs such as ACABC to promote the development of agriculture and allied sectors in the country.

Conclusion
The AC&ABC scheme has emerged as an effective tool for promoting WA in the agriculture sector in India.
The scheme has provided training and financial support to thousands of women, enabling them to start and run their own agriventures.The scheme's success in states like Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu highlights the potential for women's empowerment through agripreneurship.
However, there is still much work to be done to enhance women's participation in the scheme, particularly in underperforming states.Policymakers and program managers should focus on providing practical skills training, financial support, and targeted outreach to women from diverse educational backgrounds and streams.Moreover, the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the need for flexible and innovative approaches to support women entrepreneurs in times of crisis.
Overall, the AC&ABC scheme has made significant strides in promoting WA in India.With continued support and investment, the scheme can help more women realize their entrepreneurial potential and contribute to sustainable rural development and food security.

Policy Implications
Based on the study, the following policy recommendations are suggested to enhance the participation and success of women agriprenres under the AC&ABC scheme.
Encourage and promote women's participation: State governments should take proactive measures to encourage and promote women's participation in the AC&ABC scheme.This could include targeted outreach and awareness campaigns to attract women to the program and setting targets for women's participation in the scheme.

Develop gender-sensitive training programs:
Training programs under the AC&ABC scheme should be designed to be gender-sensitive, taking into account the specific needs and challenges faced by women agripreneurs.This could include training on gender issues, financial management, marketing, and technology.
Provide access to finance: Access to finance is a critical factor for the success of agribusiness ventures.The government should work more financial institutions to provide targeted financial products and services to women agripreneurs, including loans, subsidies, and grants.The government could also establish a dedicated fund to support women agripreneurs.
Establish mentorship and networking programs: Mentorship and networking are important for the success of women agripreneurs.The government should establish mentorship and networking programs to connect women agripreneurs with successful entrepreneurs, industry experts, and potential business partners.

Provide access to Technology
Access to technology is critical for the success of agribusiness ventures.The government should work with technology providers to develop and provide technology solutions that are accessible and affordable for women agripreneurs.

Monitor and Evaluate Gender Outcomes
The government should monitor and evaluate gender outcomes of the AC&ABC scheme regularly.This could include tracking the number of women enrolled, the success rates of women agripreneurs, and the impact of the scheme on women's economic empowerment.
Overall, the government should take a proactive approach to address the gender disparities in agriculture and promote women's participation and success in the agribusiness sector.The AC&ABC scheme provides an opportunity to empower women and promote sustainable and inclusive agricultural development.

Fig. 1 :
Fig. 1: State wise distribution women under Agri Clinics and Agri Business Centre scheme in India

Fig. 2 :
Fig. 2: Age wise distribution of women under Agri Clinics and Agri Business Centre scheme in the state of Maharashtra, India

.Fig. 3 :
Fig. 3: Educational level of the women trained under Agri Clinics andAgri Business Centre scheme in the state of Maharashtra, India

Fig. 5 Fig. 4 :Fig. 5 :
Fig. 4: Temporal distribution of women from Maharashtra under Agri Clinics and Agri Business Centre scheme since year 2002 to 2022

Fig. 6 :
Fig. 6: District wise distribution of number of Agri-Venture established by women under Agri Clinics and Agri Business Centre scheme in the state of Maharashtra, India The figure map outlines the development of the Agri Clinics and Agri Business Center scheme across various districts in Maharashtra from its implementation until November 2022.

Table 1 . Present state-wise status of women in Agri Clinics and Agri Business Centre scheme Name of the State
Assessing State-Wise Participation of Women in the AC&ABC SchemeAn analysis of the data showed that Maharashtra led the top five states with the highest number of trained women candidates, totaling 2,112.(Fig.1)

Table 4 : Present district-wise status of Maharashtra women entrepreneur in Agri Clinics and Agri Business Centre scheme
However, the success rate of women agrientrepreneurs varies by region, with districts in western Maharashtra demonstrating promising results while districts in Vidarbha (excluding Nagpur) and northern Maharashtra exhibit poor performance in terms of venture establishment.Kolhapur, Sangli, Pune, Solapur, Satara, and Nagpur are the leading districts in new business establishments.(Table4andFig.6)