International Journal of Agriculture Extension and Social Development

author(s)
Babanveer Singh, Kamalpreet Kaur and Devinder Tiwari

abstract
Rural women form the backbone of agricultural labor in India, yet remain marginalized in terms of access to training, technology, and decision-making platforms. This paper explores the transformative potential of agricultural extension as a tool for empowering rural women. Drawing upon extensive literature and empirical studies, it highlights how targeted training, gender-sensitive outreach, and participatory extension models can improve rural women's access to information, boost confidence, and enhance their decision-making in both household and farm operations. Despite contributing significantly to food security and agricultural productivity, women often face structural and cultural barriers that limit their empowerment. The review underscores that strengthening gender-inclusive extension systems can not only bridge these gaps but also lead to better farm productivity, improved family nutrition, and sustainable rural development. Emphasizing the need for institutional support, policy reform, and localized training models, the study advocates for the re-design of extension services to be more inclusive and impactful for rural women across India.