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@article{184967,
        author = {Miss.Pallavi M. Bhagat and Dr. Sachchidanand R. Junghare},
        title = {Empowering Women in Agri Business Leadership: Opportunities and Challenges in Promoting Sustainable Livelihoods in Vidarbha},
        journal = {International Journal of Innovative Research in Technology},
        year = {2025},
        volume = {12},
        number = {4},
        pages = {4090-4095},
        issn = {2349-6002},
        url = {https://ijirt.org/article?manuscript=184967},
        abstract = {Agriculture is the backbone of rural life in Vidarbha, but women, who make up the majority of the agricultural labour, are underrepresented in decision-making and agri-business leadership. This study examines the potential and constraints that women face when leading agri-business firms and producer institutions, as well as how their involvement may contribute to sustainable living in the region. Drawing on field observations, secondary data, and literature on gender and rural development, the study examines women's participation in self-help groups, farmer-producer organisations, and forest-based companies, highlighting both the socioeconomic potential and the institutional barriers that exist. Value addition in cotton, soybean, and horticultural products, collective marketing of minor forest goods, adoption of climate-resilient agricultural techniques, and the rising space for digital platforms connecting rural women to larger markets are all potential options. Women's leadership potential remains constrained by constraints such as low financing access, a lack of collateral ownership, restricted mobility, significant household duties, and insufficient institutional support. The paper contends that empowering women via targeted training, credit facilitation, infrastructure assistance, and policy convergence with forest rights and livelihood schemes may greatly improve rural resilience and close the rural-urban livelihood gap. The findings are useful for policymakers, NGOs, and academic forums working on gender-inclusive and sustainable agribusiness models in Vidarbha.},
        keywords = {Women Empowerment, Agri-Business Leadership, Sustainable Livelihoods, Vidarbha, Rural Entrepreneurship, Farmer-Producer Organisations (FPOs), Forest-Based Livelihoods},
        month = {September},
        }