President Smt. Droupadi Murmu Inaugurates Global Conference on Women in Agri-Food Systems, Spotlighting Women as Drivers of Agricultural Transformation

In a significant global initiative to recognise and strengthen the transformative role of women in agriculture, the Global Conference on Women in Agri-Food Systems (GCWAS–2026) was inaugurated today by the President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, at the Bharat Ratna C. Subramaniam Hall, ICAR Convention Centre, NASC Complex, New Delhi. Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Union Minister of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare and Rural Development graced as the Guest of Honour.

Addressing the gathering as Guest of Honour, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the historic decision to provide 33 percent reservation for women in Parliament and State Legislatures, along with 50 percent reservation in local bodies in several states, has strengthened women’s leadership and participation in governance and development.

Highlighting key government initiatives, he referred to the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana–National Rural Livelihood Mission, under which over 10 crore women have been mobilised through more than 90 lakh Self-Help Groups. He highlighted that around three crore women have already become ‘Lakhpati Didis’, earning an annual income exceeding ₹1 lakh, while the government aims to empower six crore women economically in the coming years.

Shri Chouhan also underlined the growing participation of women in agricultural research and education. He accentuated that the ICAR–Central Institute for Women in Agriculture, Bhubaneswar, has been working since 1996 to strengthen women’s role in agriculture. He further highlighted that the share of women in the Agricultural Research Service has increased significantly from 7.9 percent in 2006–07 to nearly 41 percent in 2023–24, reflecting the expanding role of women in agricultural science and innovation.

In her address, Smt. Droupadi Murmu emphasised that the future of agriculture will be strengthened by greater participation and leadership of women. She highlighted the importance of sharing inspiring stories of women farmers to raise awareness about their invaluable contributions to agriculture and environmental conservation.

The President stated that several women farmers who have made remarkable contributions to organic farming, seed conservation and community leadership have been honoured with the Padma Shri, including Kamala Devi Rongmei, Maharashtra’s ‘Seed Mother’ Rahibai Soma Popere, Bihar’s ‘Kisan Chachi’ Raj kumari Devi, and Odisha’s Kamala Pujari.

Welcoming the United Nations’ declaration of 2026 as the International Year of the Woman Farmer, she said the initiative would help address gender inequalities and promote women’s leadership in agriculture.

Highlighting government initiatives for women’s empowerment, the President stated that 56 percent of the 57 crore bank accounts opened under the Pradhan Mantri Jan DhanYojana are held by women, while 68 percent of beneficiaries under the Mudra Yojana are women. She also referred to programmes such as the DeendayalAntyodayaYojana–National Rural Livelihood Mission (DAY-NRLM), the Namo Drone Didi Scheme, and the mission to create six crore ‘LakhpatiDidis’, aimed at strengthening women’s economic empowerment.

The President emphasised that empowering women farmers and ensuring their access to resources, technology and leadership opportunities will be crucial for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and building a more inclusive and sustainable future.