The Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare (DA&FW), Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, celebrated Mahila Kisan Diwas 2026 in New Delhi on October 15, recognising the contribution of women farmers to Indian agriculture, food security and rural livelihoods.
Held at the Dr B R Ambedkar International Centre under the chairmanship of Atish Chandra, Secretary, DA&FW, the programme highlighted the role of women in agricultural development and their contribution towards achieving the vision of Viksit Bharat.
Addressing the gathering, Chandra emphasised the importance of women in agriculture and allied sectors, particularly in ensuring food security, managing natural resources and sustaining rural livelihoods. He reiterated the government’s commitment to empowering women farmers through initiatives focused on direct income support, affordable institutional credit, technology transfer, skill development, farm mechanisation and improved access to agricultural marketing infrastructure.
The theme for Mahila Kisan Diwas 2026 was “Role of Women Farmers in Building Developed Agriculture and a Developed India.” It underscored the contribution of women to agricultural productivity, sustainable farming, natural resource conservation and rural prosperity.
As part of the celebration, outstanding women farmers were felicitated for their achievements in agriculture and allied sectors. The event also saw the release of a book titled Women Farmers of India: Journey from Challenges to Success, featuring success stories that highlight women’s innovations, entrepreneurial initiatives, leadership and achievements in farming and related activities.
Progressive women farmers and agricultural extension workers from various states and Union Territories participated in the programme alongside senior officials of DA&FW. Participants shared their experiences, challenges and achievements, highlighting the adoption of improved agricultural practices and the role of women in strengthening rural livelihoods.
Women contribute across the agricultural value chain, including crop cultivation, livestock management, seed conservation, natural resource management, post-harvest operations and value addition. Their traditional knowledge, entrepreneurial capabilities and adoption of innovative and climate-resilient practices are increasingly important for making agriculture productive, sustainable and inclusive.
Women agricultural officers and extension functionaries also play a key role in connecting agricultural research with farming communities through training, technology dissemination, awareness programmes and guidance on government schemes.
Mahila Kisan Diwas 2026 was also observed across states and Union Territories, Extension Education Institutes, State Agricultural Management and Extension Training Institutes, and the National Institute of Agricultural Extension Management (MANAGE). Special emphasis was placed on the participation of women farmers from tribal regions.
The celebration highlighted the need to strengthen women farmers’ access to technology, resources, training and institutional support, while encouraging their participation in decision-making and leadership across agriculture and allied sectors. It reiterated that recognising and empowering women farmers is essential to strengthening India’s food systems, improving rural livelihoods and advancing the vision of Viksit Bharat.