Mahila Kisan Diwas 2026: Celebrating the Contributions of Women Farmers

15 October 2026

As an initiative of the Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare (DA&FW), Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Government of India, Mahila Kisan Diwas 2026 was observed on 15 October across ICAR institutes, Agricultural Technology Application Research Institutes (ATARIs) and Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) across the country. The occasion recognised the invaluable contributions of women farmers to Indian agriculture and highlighted their role in advancing agricultural development, food security and rural livelihoods. It also coincided with the International Day of Rural Women.

The theme, “Role of Women Farmers in Building Developed Agriculture and a Developed India,” underscored the leadership of women in promoting modern agricultural technologies, crop diversification, livestock management, natural resource conservation and agriculture-based enterprises. The celebrations aimed to recognise their achievements, facilitate the sharing of successful practices and encourage greater participation of women in building a productive, sustainable and self-reliant agricultural sector towards Viksit Bharat.

1. ICAR-Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute, Barrackpore, West Bengal

ICAR-Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute, Barrackpore, celebrated Mahila Kisan Diwas 2026 at Bartir Beel, North 24 Parganas, West Bengal, coinciding with the International Day of Rural Women. The programme brought together 30 women farmers and highlighted their contributions to agriculture, fisheries and wetland-based livelihoods, while exploring opportunities in sustainable fisheries and eco-aqua tourism.

Dr B. K. Behere, Chief Executive Officer, National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB), emphasised the critical role of rural women in fisheries, aquaculture and livelihood development, noting that women’s empowerment is essential for enhancing fish production, household nutritional security and rural well-being.

Dr Pradip Dey, Director, ICAR-CIFRI, envisioned transforming Bartir Beel into a model of women-led, science-based and ecologically sustainable rural development. He emphasised integrating scientific fisheries management, biodiversity conservation, value addition and eco-aqua tourism to diversify livelihoods, strengthen nutritional security and generate dignified employment for women and rural youth. He also highlighted the importance of blending traditional ecological knowledge with modern science, institutional convergence and community participation to promote inclusive growth while conserving wetland ecosystems.

A key highlight was the Mahila Kisan Samman, during which two fisherwomen, Smt. Jayanti Dutta and Smt. Dulali Roy, were felicitated for their contributions to agriculture, fisheries and rural livelihood development. The programme reaffirmed ICAR-CIFRI’s commitment to empowering rural women through scientific knowledge, improved technologies and diversified livelihood opportunities.

2. ICAR–National Institute of Natural Fibre Engineering and Technology, Kolkata

ICAR–National Institute of Natural Fibre Engineering and Technology, Kolkata, celebrated National Women Farmers’ Day 2026 to promote women’s empowerment through technology, skill development and sustainable livelihoods.

Dr D. B. Shakyawar, Director, ICAR-NINFET, emphasized addressing the challenges faced by farm women and strengthening natural fibre-based livelihood opportunities. The programme showcased four technologies farm-women-friendly fibre extractors, Jute Leaf Drink, natural fibre-based sanitary napkins and Yuva Jyoti.

Ms. Dulali Das, Director, Ichamoti FPC Ltd., highlighted the success of her FPC, comprising around 750 members, over 80% of whom are women, with an annual turnover of approximately ₹1 crore.

The programme brought together 100 farm women from South Bengal, along with scientists and female students, underscoring the role of technological innovation in strengthening women-led rural enterprises.

3. ICAR- Research Complex NEH, Umiam, Meghalaya

ICAR Research Complex for the North Eastern Hill (NEH) Region, Umiam, in collaboration with KVK Ri-Bhoi, celebrated National Women Farmers’ Day with the participation of over 100 women farmers.

Dr Pankaj Baiswer, Director-in-Charge, emphasized awareness of government schemes, improved farming technologies and agripreneurship to promote women’s financial independence and participation in agricultural decision-making. Smt. Balakyntiew Umbah, President, Ri-Bhoi Area Welfare Association, acknowledged the vital contributions of women farmers to agriculture and society.

An interactive session highlighted farmers’ needs for quality seeds and subsidised farm machinery. Progressive women farmers were felicitated, and participants received vegetable seeds, including field pea variety IPFD 19-3, biofertilisers and agricultural literature to support improved farming practices.

4. ICAR- Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture, Bhubaneswar

ICAR-Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture, Bhubaneswar in collaboration with KVK-Khordha, celebrated Rashtriya Mahila Kisan Diwas at Kausalyaganga, Bhubaneswar, with the participation of 122 women farmers and 82 other farmers. Dr P. K. Sahoo, Director, ICAR-CIFA, highlighted the potential of scientific aquaculture and modern technologies, including Biofloc and Recirculatory Aquaculture Systems (RAS), in enhancing women’s income and livelihoods.

Participants witnessed demonstrations of modern aquaculture technologies, drone applications in fish culture and improved farming practices.

The programme also featured expert guidance on backyard poultry farming, farmer-scientist interactions and sharing of field experiences, emphasizing the role of technological adoption, skill development and capacity building in strengthening women’s empowerment, nutritional security and sustainable rural livelihoods.

5. ICAR- Central Research Institute for Jute and Allied Fibres, Barrackpore, Kolkata

ICAR–Central Research Institute for Jute and Allied Fibres, organised a training programme under the Tribal Sub-Plan (TSP) on sustainable agricultural technologies and livelihood opportunities for farm women, with the participation of 30 women farmers from Chakdah Block, Nadia district, West Bengal.

The programme covered Self-Help Groups (SHGs), drudgery-reducing technologies, mushroom and dragon fruit cultivation, vermicomposting and livelihood diversification.

Dr Gouranga Kar, Director, ICAR-CRIJAF, emphasized equal opportunities for women in agriculture and their role in strengthening rural livelihoods.

Participants received vegetable seed kits, battery-operated sprayers, agricultural tools and a Bengali training manual to support the adoption of sustainable farming practices and enhance livelihood opportunities.

6. ICAR- Central Institute for Women in Agriculture, Bhubaneswar

ICAR–Central Institute for Women in Agriculture, Bhubaneswar, celebrated Rashtriya Mahila Kisan Diwas in the presence of Shri Sachin Ramchandra Jadhav, IAS, Commissioner-cum-Secretary, Department of Agriculture and Farmers’ Empowerment, Government of Odisha.

Dr Mridula Devi, Director, ICAR-CIWA, highlighted the Institute’s efforts in developing gender-responsive technologies, strengthening skills and promoting sustainable livelihoods for women farmers. Shri Jadhav emphasized gender equity, women’s empowerment and collaboration to strengthen women’s land rights.

A key highlight was the provision of pedal-operated, women-friendly coconut dehuskers to 50 women Self-Help Groups (SHGs) to reduce drudgery and improve work efficiency and safety. Technology demonstrations, farmer-scientist interactions and the felicitation of six progressive women farmers were also organised.

The event brought together over 250 women farmers, students, entrepreneurs and members of Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs), SHGs and Farmer Interest Groups (FIGs), highlighting the role of gender-responsive technologies and institutional support in strengthening women-led agricultural development.

7. ICAR- Central Research Institute for Dryland Agriculture, Hyderabad and KVK Ranga Reddy

ICAR–Central Research Institute for Dryland Agriculture, Hyderabad, in collaboration with KVK Ranga Reddy, observed National Women Farmers’ Day at Bhuvan Research Farm, Hayathnagar, with the participation of 53 women farmers. The programme highlighted women’s contributions to agricultural production, food and nutritional security, and sustainable rural livelihoods.

The discussions emphasized improved agricultural technologies, efficient resource management, value addition, entrepreneurship and women-led Self-Help Groups to strengthen women’s participation in dryland agriculture and enhance their livelihoods amid climate variability and water scarcity.

8. ICAR–Central Tuber Crops Research Institute, Bhubaneswar

ICAR–Central Tuber Crops Research Institute, in collaboration with the All India Coordinated Research Project on Tuber Crops (AICRPTC), celebrated Mahila Kisan Diwas on 15 October 2026, recognising women’s contributions to agriculture, food security and rural livelihoods.

Dr G. Suja, Director-in-Charge, presided over the programme and highlighted the institute’s commitment to empowering women farmers through agricultural technologies.

Smt. Rajalekshmi of Ulloor and Smt. Parukutty Kanikan, representing an SHG from Amboori, both in Thiruvananthapuram, were felicitated for their contributions to agriculture.

Technical sessions on sweet potato cultivation and gender mainstreaming were conducted by Dr. Jeena Mathew and Dr. Sheela Immanuel, respectively. Sweet potato vines were distributed to participants, followed by a field visit.

Around 150 scientists, staff and farmers participated in the programme.

9. ICAR–Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Kodagu

ICAR–Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Gonikoppal, Kodagu, celebrated Rashtriya Mahila Kisan Diwas today to recognise women’s contributions to agriculture, allied sectors, value addition and rural entrepreneurship, in the spirit of the International Year of the Woman Farmer (IYWF) 2026.

The programme was attended by representatives of ICAR–KVK Kodagu and featured interactions with women farmers, Self-Help Groups (SHGs), Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) and rural entrepreneurs. The welcome address highlighted the importance of strengthening women’s participation in agriculture, entrepreneurship and value addition.

Three successful women entrepreneurs trained by KVK shared their entrepreneurial journeys, emphasising the role of scientific training, skill development and institutional support in promoting sustainable livelihoods and encouraging rural entrepreneurship.

KVK staff also presented the institute’s initiatives in capacity building, enterprise development, market linkages and livelihood promotion. An interactive session enabled women farmers and SHG members to exchange experiences and discuss opportunities to enhance agricultural productivity and household incomes.

The programme reaffirmed ICAR–KVK Kodagu’s commitment to empowering rural women through scientific interventions, skill development and entrepreneurship promotion.

10.    ICAR– Research Complex for Eastern Region, Patna

ICAR–Research Complex for Eastern Region, Patna, celebrated Mahila Kisan Diwas today under the theme “My Story, My Farming: Innovation, Empowerment and Self-Reliance”, commemorating the International Year of the Woman Farmer.

Smt. Stuti Gupta, Chairperson, Patna Zila Parishad, encouraged women farmers to pursue economic independence, while Dr Anup Das, Director, ICAR–RCER, emphasised scientific farming, skill development and agricultural entrepreneurship.

Innovative women farmers from Bihar and Jharkhand were felicitated for their achievements, alongside individuals contributing to agricultural research, journalism and institutional development.

Improved vegetable seeds and fruit saplings were distributed to promote nutrition gardens and household nutritional security. Farmers also visited experimental fields to learn about sustainable farming technologies, including micro-irrigation, natural farming and integrated farming systems.

The celebration was also organised at the institute’s research centre in Ranchi and KVKs at Buxar and Ramgarh. Across all locations, 392 participants, including 284 women, attended, highlighting the importance of empowering women through scientific interventions, entrepreneurship and sustainable livelihood opportunities.

11. ICAR– Mahatma Gandhi Integrated Farming Research Institute, Motihari

ICAR–Mahatma Gandhi Integrated Farming Research Institute, Motihari, Bihar, organised a training-cum-awareness programme today to promote scientific technologies, integrated farming and sustainable livelihoods among women farmers.

Progressive women farmers shared their experiences in mushroom cultivation, natural farming and millet-based food processing. Technical sessions covered women-centric agricultural technologies, nutrition management, fish farming, biofloc technology and improved crop management.

Participants also learned about Azolla cultivation, vermicomposting, low-cost hydroponics and integrated farming systems.

Lemon plants and mustard seeds were distributed to encourage farm diversification and income generation. The programme highlighted the role of scientific knowledge, skill development and integrated farming in strengthening women’s entrepreneurship, household nutrition and rural livelihoods.

12. ICAR– Indian Institute of Soil and Water Conservation, Research Centre, Udhagamandalam

ICAR–Indian Institute of Soil and Water Conservation, Research Centre, Udhagamandalam, observed Women Farmers’ Day today, with the participation of around 25 women farmers from Kuruthuguli, Basawakkal and Theetukal villages.

Scientists delivered sessions on women-friendly agricultural and natural resource management technologies, agri-based entrepreneurship, drones for reducing farm drudgery and suitable agroforestry systems for the Nilgiris region.

Farmers were introduced to hill-friendly agricultural machinery, soil and water conservation practices, and organic and natural farming techniques. Educational materials in the local language and video films on resource conservation technologies were also shared.

Demonstrations covered cover crop cultivation for soil moisture conservation and fertility improvement, weed composting using a chaff cutter under the concept of “Wealth from Waste”, and preparation of organic inputs. Women farmers shared their experiences in vegetable and plantation crop cultivation and discussed challenges, including wildlife menace and labour shortages in hill agriculture.

13. ICAR–National Bureau of Fish Genetic Resources, Lucknow

ICAR–National Bureau of Fish Genetic Resources, Lucknow, observed Women Farmers’ Day today by organising an awareness programme on “Women in Fisheries: Transforming Livelihoods through Scientific Innovation and Technology Transfer” for 22 Scheduled Caste women fish farmers.

Dr Kajal Chakraborty, Director, ICAR–NBFGR, highlighted women’s contributions to fisheries and encouraged the adoption of innovative technologies to enhance livelihoods.

Technical sessions and hands-on demonstrations covered scientific aquaculture practices, Biofloc technology, captive breeding, fish disease management, ornamental fish culture and Recirculatory Aquaculture Systems (RAS). Fisheries inputs were distributed to promote technology adoption and income generation.

Under its community aquaculture initiative, ICAR–NBFGR established a community-based clownfish rearing facility at Chengi Amman Nagar, Pulicat, Tamil Nadu, with support from the Department of Tribal Welfare, Government of Tamil Nadu, to support 25 tribal women.

The beneficiaries harvested and sold over 500 ornamental clownfish to a Chennai-based buyer, with the second harvest and sale cycle generating ₹1 lakh. The initiative highlights the potential of women-led aquaculture enterprises to strengthen livelihoods and promote sustainable fisheries development.

14. ICAR-Directorate of Floricultural Research, Pune

ICAR-Directorate of Floricultural Research, Pune, celebrated Mahila Kisan Diwas at Nurgudi village, Pune district, Maharashtra, by organising a training programme on resin encapsulation of flowers for over 25 women participants.

The hands-on training introduced techniques for preserving flowers and plant materials to create decorative items, souvenirs, keychains and pendants.

The initiative highlighted the potential of floral waste utilisation, value addition and skill development to promote self-employment, entrepreneurship and sustainable livelihoods among rural women.

15. ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi

ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, celebrated Women Farmers’ Day with the participation of around 220 women farmers and 7 male farmers from Alipur, Hapur and Bulandshahr districts of Uttar Pradesh.

Dr Ch. Srinivasa Rao, Director, ICAR-IARI, highlighted the vital role of women across the agricultural value chain and encouraged them to adopt improved technologies, crop diversification, value addition and sustainable resource management practices.

Dr P.S. Brahmanand welcomed the participants and emphasised the need to recognise and strengthen women’s contributions to agricultural development. Agricultural inputs were distributed to women farmers under the Scheduled Caste Sub Plan (SCSP) scheme.

Technical sessions on water-use efficiency, rabi crop varieties, soil health, Pusa Decomposer, post-harvest management, value addition and seed production were organised.

The participants also visited ICAR-IARI’s protected cultivation facilities, integrated farming system units and rice, millet and maize farms for practical exposure to improved agricultural technologies.

The programme reaffirmed ICAR-IARI’s commitment to empowering women farmers through scientific knowledge, technology transfer and institutional support for sustainable and resilient agri-food systems.

(Source: Respective ICAR Institutes)