The Global Conference on ‘Innovations to Impact: Gender Transformative Approach for Sustainable Agri-Food Systems’, held from March 8 to 10, 2025, at ICAR-Central Institute for Women in Agriculture (ICAR-CIWA), Bhubaneswar, brought together global stakeholders to drive gender equity in agriculture. Jointly organized by ICAR-CIWA and the Research Association for Gender in Agriculture (RAGA), the conference received support from institutions such as the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB), Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), UN Women, and the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP).
Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, inaugurated the conference virtually, emphasizing the crucial role of women in agriculture and advocating for schemes like Krishi Shakhi, Drone Shakhi, and Pashu Sakhi. He also underscored the significance of skill-based training to empower women farmers and promote gender equity. A key highlight of the inaugural session was the dedication of the ‘Sashakti’ museum at ICAR-CIWA, a pioneering initiative focusing on women’s empowerment in agriculture. Additionally, the launch of cow-dung slurry-based organic biofertilizers developed by Sundarini Naturals, with NDDB’s technical assistance, marked a step forward in promoting sustainable farming practices.
The conference witnessed insightful discussions from prominent dignitaries. Devesh Chaturvedi, Secretary, Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, stressed the need for capacity-building programs to enhance the socio-economic standing of women farmers. Odisha's Minister of Fisheries and Animal Resources Development, Gokulananda Mallick, highlighted the state’s ‘Subhadra’ Shakti scheme and the importance of self-reliance through animal husbandry. FAO-IN Country Representative, Takayuki Hagiwara, and UN WFP-IN Dy. Country Director, Nozomi Hashimoto, reinforced the need for technology access, financial inclusion, and agri-tech innovations to achieve gender-equitable sustainable agriculture.
Dr Himanshu Pathak, Director General, ICRISAT, stressed the need for women farmers to have equal access to resources, training, and decision-making to ensure agricultural sustainability in the face of climate change. Dr Meenesh Shah, Chairman and Managing Director, NDDB, emphasized women’s contributions to the dairy sector and advocated for the promotion of women-led dairy cooperatives. Other key speakers, including Dr Praveen Kumar Singh, Agriculture Commissioner, and Vijay Amruta Kulange, Managing Director, OMFED, highlighted strategies to overcome institutional challenges and strengthen women-led dairy cooperatives.
Dr R.C. Agrawal, Dy. Director General (Agriculture Education), ICAR, lauded ICAR-CIWA for its initiatives in gender transformation and urged researchers to develop gender-responsive technologies. Experts such as Dr Bimlesh Mann, Assistant Director General (EP&HS), and representatives from SEWA, agricultural universities, and government agencies emphasized the importance of nutrition-sensitive, climate-smart agricultural practices.
The conference provided a crucial platform for researchers, policymakers, academia, innovators, and entrepreneurs to discuss ways to bridge the gender gap in agriculture. It highlighted the urgent need for gender-responsive policies to ensure sustainability, equity, and economic growth in the agri-food system. By fostering an inclusive environment, the event reaffirmed the role of women and marginalized communities in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly concerning poverty reduction, food security, and environmental sustainability.
Several key publications, including the Conference Souvenir-cum-Abstract Book and ‘Sashakti’ Rajbhasha Patrika, were released during the event. The conference also celebrated the contributions of exemplary women farmers by conferring the prestigious 'Sashakti' Award to Raimati Ghiuria from Odisha, Renu Sangwan from Haryana, Merly Tom Kizhakayi from Meghalaya, and Junuma Mali from Assam. Additionally, 35 progressive women farmers and entrepreneurs were honored with the ‘Annapurna Award’ for their outstanding contributions to agriculture and allied sectors. To further strengthen women-led agricultural enterprises, 27 women-led custom hiring centers were also established.
The event concluded on a high note, with Dr Sabyasachi Roy, NDDB Regional Head, emphasizing the importance of women’s leadership in dairy cooperatives, and Dr Himanshu Bal, WFP India Country Office Head, advocating for strong market linkages for women farmers. Over 500 delegates, including 1500 women farmers and entrepreneurs from 20 states, participated in the three-day conference, engaging in multiple technical sessions. A grand exhibition featuring 45 exhibitors showcased women-friendly agricultural technologies and products.
As the conference wrapped up, it reinforced the undeniable truth that empowering women is not just a moral imperative but a practical necessity for a sustainable and resilient agri-food system.
