Press Information Bureau

The Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare (DA&FW), Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Government of India, celebrated Mahila Kisan Diwas 2026 today (15 October 2026 ) at the Dr. B. R. Ambedkar International Centre, New Delhi, under the chairmanship of Shri Atish Chandra, Secretary, Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare. The programme was organised to recognise the invaluable contribution of women farmers to Indian agriculture and highlight their pivotal role in advancing agricultural development and achieving the vision of Viksit Bharat.

Sh. Atish Chandra, Secretary, Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare (DA&FW), in his address, highlighted the invaluable contributions of women to agriculture and allied sectors, particularly in ensuring food security, sustaining rural livelihoods, managing natural resources and driving agricultural development. He emphasised the Government’s commitment to empowering women in agriculture through various initiatives, including direct income support, affordable institutional credit, technology transfer, skill development, farm mechanisation and improved access to agricultural marketing infrastructure.

The programme witnessed the participation of progressive women farmers, women agricultural extension workers and functionaries from various States/UTs, along with senior officers of DA&FW. The theme for Mahila Kisan Diwas 2026 was “Role of Women Farmers in Building Developed Agriculture and a Developed India.” The theme underscores the vital role of women in strengthening agricultural productivity, promoting sustainable farming practices, conserving natural resources and contributing to rural prosperity.

As part of the programme, outstanding women farmers were felicitated in recognition of their achievements and contributions to agriculture and allied sectors. The felicitation acknowledged their dedication, resilience, innovation and leadership in agricultural activities and rural entrepreneurship. A book titled “Women Farmers of India: Journey from Challenges to Success” was also released during the event. This book is a compilation of inspiring success stories of women farmers, highlighting their remarkable contributions, achievements, innovations, and journeys from struggle to success in agriculture and allied sectors. It proudly showcases the vital role of women in agriculture, recognising their potential, leadership, and entrepreneurial spirit.

The programme also provided a platform for women farmers and extension functionaries to share their experiences and journeys. A few participants addressed the gathering and spoke about their personal experiences, challenges, achievements and contributions to agriculture. Their accounts highlighted the important role of women in adopting improved agricultural practices, strengthening rural livelihoods and inspiring other women to participate in agricultural development.

Women farmers make significant contributions across the agricultural value chain, including crop cultivation, livestock management, seed conservation, natural resource management, post-harvest activities and value addition. Their traditional knowledge, entrepreneurial initiatives and adoption of innovative and climate-resilient practices are essential to making Indian agriculture more productive, sustainable and inclusive.

Women agricultural officers and extension functionaries also play a crucial role in bridging the gap between agricultural research and farming communities. Through training, technology dissemination, awareness generation and guidance on government schemes, they facilitate the adoption of scientific agricultural practices and empower women farmers with knowledge and institutional support.

The celebration of Mahila Kisan Diwas 2026 reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to recognising women as key stakeholders in agricultural transformation. It highlighted the importance of strengthening women's access to technology, resources, capacity-building opportunities and institutional support, while encouraging their greater participation in decision-making and leadership across agriculture and allied sectors.

Mahila Kisan Diwas 2026 is also being observed across States and Union Territories, Extension Education Institutes (EEIs), State Agricultural Management and Extension Training Institutes (SAMETIs) and MANAGE, with participation from women farmers and other agricultural stakeholders. Special emphasis has been placed on the participation of women farmers from tribal regions.

The celebration reinforced the message that empowering women farmers and recognising their contributions are essential to building developed agriculture, strengthening rural livelihoods and achieving the vision of Viksit Bharat.

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SS/DK