IIHR Organized Rashtriya Krishi Mahila Mahotsav

8th December 2013, Bengaluru

Indian Institute of Horticultural Research (IIHR) bengaluru celebrated ‘Rashtriya Krishi Mahila Mahostav’ (Women in Agriculture Day) on 7-8th December, 2013 at Lalbagh, Bengaluru. On the occasion, a showcasing of women friendly technology was organized.

Dr. S.B. Dandin, Vice Chancellor, University of Horticultural Sciences, Bagalkot inaugurated the programme at Dr. M.H. Marigowda Memorial Hall, Lalbagh on 7th December, 2013. Dr. C. Prasad, former Deputy Director General (Extension), ICAR presided over the programme.

Dr. S. Ayyappan, Secretary, DARE and Director General, ICAR interacted with the farm women entrepreneurs and appreciated the products on display in the stalls. Dr. Ayyappan also appreciated the collaboration of IIHR with Department of Horticulture, Government of Karnataka for organizing the exhibition on such a large scale.

In his remarks during the inaugural session, Dr. Rameshwar Singh, Project Director, DKMA, New Delhi commended the organizers for organizing such an important event for women empowerment.  He also emphasized upon the importance of women’s involvement in agriculture.

Dr. Amrik Singh Sidhu, Director, IIHR and Dr. D.L. Maheshwar, Director (Horticulture), Government of Karnataka also gave their valuable remarks.

Ms. B.R. Poornima, Entrepreneur and Accredited trainer and Guest of Honor of the programme inaugurated the exhibition.

Earlier, Dr. M.R. Hegde, Co-CCPI, NAIP-Mass Media Project welcomed the dignitaries while, Dr. Nita Khandekar, CCPI, NAIP-Mass Media project briefed the gathering about the objectives and importance of the event.

On the occasion, farm women were also briefed about the Government policies and schemes available for entrepreneurship opportunities. More than 30,000 people including scientists, senior officials, farmers, entrepreneurs and media person attended this two-day programme. 

Farm women entrepreneurs from various districts of Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Tamilnadu showcased and sold various home-made food products, organic soaps, oils, handloom, pottery, plants, fresh vegetables, honey, handicrafts etc. in exhibition. IIHR and its KVKs showcased women friendly technologies. Department of Horticulture, Government of Karnataka; Southern Regional Station of NDRI; UAS, Bengaluru; Coconut Development Board; Department of Women & Child Development, Government of Karnataka; Bharatiya Mahila Bank also participated in the exhibition.

Rashtriya Krishi Mahila Mahostav was organized by the Women’s Cell of Indian Institute of Horticultural Research and the NAIP subproject ‘Mobilizing Mass Media Support for Sharing Agro-Information’ in collaboration with Department of Horticulture, Government of Karnataka. National Horticulture Board and NABARD were the co-sponsors of the event.

Dr. Debi Sharma, Chairperson, Women’s Cell, IIHR proposed the vote of thanks.

(Source: NAIP Mass Media Project, DKMA with inputs from consortium partner IIHR, Bengaluru)