National level event on Mahila Kisan Diwas in Guwahati, 350 women farmers participate

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaOctober 16, 2024

Assam Agricultural University (AAU) Vice-Chancellor Dr Bidyut C. Deka, on Tuesday emphasized the critical role women can play in transforming the agricultural sector if they are further sensitized.

Addressing over 400 women farmers (Mahila Kisans) from the Northeast at the Mahila Kisan Diwas programme held in Khanapara, Dr Deka highlighted the potential impact of empowering women in agriculture.

Samuel Praveen Kumar, Joint Secretary (Extension) & AIF, Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare (MoA&FW), New Delhi, acknowledged the significant contribution of women to the agricultural sector, stating that over 50% of the sector’s growth is attributed to women. He expressed optimism that this contribution will increase as more women benefit from various government schemes and programmes.

The event’s theme, “Role of Women Entrepreneurs in Transforming Agriculture,” underscored the importance of women entrepreneurs in advancing the agricultural industry. Dr. R. Bordoloi, Director of EEI (Northeast Region), welcomed dignitaries and special invitees, emphasizing the significance of recognizing and supporting women in agriculture.

This programme highlighted the ongoing efforts to acknowledge and enhance the role of women in the agriculture sector, especially in the Northeastern region of India.

Aruna Rajoria, Commissioner & Secretary, Department of Agriculture & Agriculture Production Commissioner (APC), and Chairperson of the ARIAS Society, highlighted the higher status, respect, and decision-making freedom women enjoy in the Northeastern region compared to other parts of India. She emphasized the gender equity that exists in the Northeast and the region’s progressive attitude towards women in agriculture.

Dr. R.P. Das, Vice-Chancellor of KKHSOU, praised the initiative by the Extension Education Institute (EEI), while Dr. Sanjay Kumar, Additional Commissioner, Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare (MoA&FW), also addressed the inaugural session.

During the event, outstanding women farmers and agripreneurs from across the northeastern states were honored with the “Mahila Kisan Sanman” and certificates of appreciation for their contributions to agriculture and allied sectors.

In the post-lunch session, Dr. Punam Tiwari Sharma, Joint Director of the National Gender Resource Centre in Agriculture (NGRCA), chaired a panel discussion. The session featured experts like Dr. Sugandha Munshi from the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), Dr. Veenita Kumari from the National Institute of Agricultural Extension Management (MANAGE), Dr. Arup Kalita from TOFI-CIFOR, and Dr. Mayuri Bora from Assam Agricultural University (AAU). These resource persons contributed to the dialogue on empowering women in agriculture through entrepreneurship and innovation.

Dr. J. Reddy, Director of the Extension Education Institute (EEI) in Hyderabad and the FMTTI in Biswanath Chariali, highlighted various programs accessible to farm women during the Mahila Kisan Diwas event. Dr. S. Borua from EEI-NER delivered the vote of thanks, concluding the day’s proceedings.

The event, organized by the Extension Education Institute – Northeast Region in collaboration with the National Gender Resource Centre in Agriculture, Directorate of Extension, Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare (MoA&FW), New Delhi, has been celebrated annually since 2016. Its purpose is to honor women farmers and encourage their significant contributions to agriculture and allied sectors.

A special attraction of the event was an exhibition showcasing products from Women Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and agripreneurs from Northeast India, as well as gender-friendly farm implements.

Additionally, a book titled “Mahilaon ki Prernadayak Yatra,” featuring stories of women’s success in agriculture, was released, and a short video on “Women in Agriculture” was screened.

The event saw participation from over 350 women farmers from various states in the Northeast and West Bengal, all aimed at recognizing outstanding women farmers and entrepreneurs in the agricultural sector. Selected individuals received the ‘Mahila Kisan Sanman’ award and certificates of appreciation for their achievements.