Women Farmers Demand Recognition, Empowerment and Support as Farmers

PostedonMar. 23, 2016in Food and Water
Photo by Soma K P

Bapatla, Andhra Pradesh
19 March 2016

Mahila Kisan Adhikaar Manch (MAKAAM) – Forum for Women Farmers’ Rights – in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture, Government of Andhra Pradesh organised a three-day National Convention of Women Farmers. The convention, held from 17 to 19 March 2016 in Agriculture College, Bapatla, Andhra Pradesh, was attended by 500 women farmers from 18 states in India.

Participants in the convention ratified the Bapatla Declaration resolving to collectively produce sufficient grains and pulses for their own needs first and address demands within their households and communities, and create and secure sustainable livelihoods. They resolved to resist development that is based on unsustainable use of natural resources and denies us the right to secure livelihoods and access to our natural resources. They reaffirmed their right to the use of commons. Women farmers demanded the state to address their issues to sustain and promote agricultural growth and food security. They demanded restructuring of state policies around basic livelihood resources and their use to ensure that rural women’s livelihoods are comprehensively ensured so that food security, income security, social protection (including healthcare, insurance, childcare services and pension) as well as bodily integrity are all protected.

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