Godrej Agrovet has introduced a new Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative called ‘Disha’, aimed at preparing women for careers in the agriculture sector. The programme was unveiled during the third edition of the company’s Women in Agriculture Summit and reflects its broader effort to build a more inclusive and future-ready agricultural workforce.
‘Disha’ is designed as a women-focused career accelerator programme that targets students pursuing B.Sc. Agriculture and related disciplines. Its core objective is to bridge the gap between academic learning and industry requirements, ensuring that women are better equipped to enter formal roles within the agri-business ecosystem.
The initiative comes at a time when women form a significant part of India’s agricultural labour force—estimated at 60–80%—yet remain underrepresented in formal employment within the sector. Despite accounting for a sizable portion of agricultural students, women hold only a small percentage of corporate roles and leadership positions. The programme seeks to address this imbalance by improving employability and facilitating smoother transitions from education to professional careers.
Structured as a “campus-to-corporate” finishing school, ‘Disha’ focuses on developing practical, industry-relevant skills. Participants receive training in areas such as communication, sales, professional readiness, and confidence building. These skills are intended to enhance their ability to secure and succeed in formal jobs within agriculture and allied industries.
The programme is being implemented in collaboration with the 1M1B Foundation and Ikka Learning Foundation, highlighting the role of partnerships in delivering large-scale social impact. By combining corporate expertise with educational and training support, the initiative aims to create a structured pathway for women to enter the agri-sector workforce.
Early results from the programme’s pilot phase have shown promising outcomes. Over 276 women students have already participated, and more than one-third have secured roles in the agri-industry. These initial successes indicate that targeted skill development and industry exposure can significantly improve employment opportunities for women in agriculture.
The launch of ‘Disha’ is also aligned with Godrej Agrovet’s larger commitment to support and empower one lakh women across the agricultural value chain. So far, the company has reached over 63,000 women through various initiatives, including training programmes, scholarships, and leadership development efforts.
Company leadership emphasized that strengthening the pipeline of skilled women professionals is essential for the long-term growth of India’s agriculture sector. As the industry evolves to meet goals related to sustainability, productivity, and rural development, building a diverse and capable workforce will be critical.
Overall, ‘Disha’ represents a strategic CSR intervention that goes beyond traditional support initiatives by focusing on employability and career readiness. By empowering women with the skills and confidence needed to enter formal agricultural roles, the programme aims to create lasting impact both for individuals and the broader agri-economy.
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