ICAR-IARI, New Delhi Organises Training of Women Leaders of Farmer Producer Organizations

8-10 March, New Delhi

A three-day capacity building program on ‘Soil Health Management through Pusa STFR Meter’ was successfully organized from 8–10 March 2026 at the Division of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi.

The training aimed to strengthen the technical and institutional capacities of women-led FPOs by providing practical knowledge on soil sampling, nutrient management, crop cultivation practices, and hands-on operation of the Pusa Soil Test Fertilizer Recommendation (STFR) Meter, a portable device that enables rapid soil testing and scientific crop-specific fertilizer recommendations. Additional sessions covered post-harvest technologies, storage and processing innovations, crop diversification into high-value, integrated farming systems, management practices for vegetables and fruits, and insect-pests management in agriculture.

Addressing the participants, Dr Ch. Srinivasa Rao, Director, ICAR-IARI, appreciated the growing leadership of women in farmer producer organizations. He encouraged the women BODs to lead their FPOs with confidence by adopting modern agricultural technologies, innovation, and scientific soil health management practices, emphasizing that technology-driven agriculture can significantly enhance productivity, sustainability, and farmers’ income.

Dr Rao also highlighted the importance of strengthening women-led farmer institutions through capacity building, technology access, and improved market linkages. The interaction reinforced the organization’s commitment to empowering women farmers and promoting inclusive agricultural development.

A leadership interaction was held at ICAR-IARI, where Corteva’s global leaders - engaged with women representatives of the FPOs. The session enabled women BODs to share their experiences of strengthening farmer institutions, improving governance, and expanding services for member farmers under the initiative. The session was also addressed by other dignitaries including Dr R.N. Padaria, Joint Director (Extension); along with other senior officials.

The program brought together 68 participants from 32 Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) representing 6 states, namely Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, Maharashtra including Women Board of Directors (BODs) and soil testing machine operators who are a part of Corteva Agriscience’s 2MillionWomen  in Agriculture initiative.

(Source: ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi)