This year, the focus was on highlighting the crucial part that farm women play in reducing malnutrition and improving nutritional security.
The Chief Guest, Kailash Choudhary, Union Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, in his Presidential address applauded and motivated the farm women nationwide for their immense contribution to agriculture and emphasized the importance of gender equity for enhancing the potential of farm women. He exhorted that nutrition enhancement is critical and should be ensured with multifaceted approaches for the holistic development of rural families.
Dr. Himanshu Pathak, Secretary (DARE) & Director General (ICAR) graced the occasion as Special Guest. He emphasized collaborative research work with other ICAR Institutes for mainstreaming women farmers. Further, he stated that ICAR-CIWA should develop a model which will be accepted globally for women empowerment.
Dr. Bhupendra Nath Tripathi, Deputy Director General (Animal Science), applauded the contribution of farm women in the animal husbandry sector and also highlighted the scope of entrepreneurship in the sector.
Dr. J. K. Jena, Deputy Director General (Fisheries Science), briefed about the scope and utilization of village ponds for profitable fish farming by women farmers.
Dr. R.C. Agrawal, Deputy Director General (Agricultural Education), briefed about the importance of celebrating Rashtriya Mahila Kisan Diwas and activities undertaken by ICAR-CIWA in Nutri-Smart villages through Poshan Abhiyan. He urged the farm women to be instrumental in developing Nutri-Smart villages.
A Farmer – Scientist Interface was also organized on sustainable agriculture techniques, crop varieties, and farm management.
An exhibition was organized to display Nutri-dense crop varieties and food items. The women farmers from the Nutri-Smart villages showcased their nutritional traditional food items.
More than 300 farm women from institutes adopted villages and nearly more than 500 women farmers across India joined the celebration through digital mode. The event offered a platform for many farm women for sharing their achievements and experiences.
The progressive women farmers were also awarded during the event for their outstanding performances in agriculture and allied sector.
Dr. Lipi Das, Principal Scientist, ICAR-CIWA, and Convener of the event offered a vote of thanks.
