A Scientist-farm women interface on “Value Chain in Rice and Fish Farming for Economic Empowerment of Rural Women” was organized under Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav by ICAR-Central Institute for Women in Agriculture, Bhubaneswar, Odisha on 2nd November, 2021 at MGMG adopted villages (Baliapada, Badathakana, Dasamania, Fatehpur, Tentalpur) of Nischintakoili block, Cuttack district, Odisha. The Programme was attended by 70 participants including scientists and staff of ICAR-CIWA, farm women, farmers, Personnel from Line department and NGOs.

At the outset, Dr. Lipi Das, Nodal, MGMG Programme and Pr. Scientist (Agril. Extension) welcomed all the participants and described about importance of value chain in rice for economic empowerment of rural women and briefed up about the role of Women Farmer Producer Organization (WFPO) in value chain of rice and vegetables. She also stressed upon upgradation of Women Farmers Group “Ananya Mahila Bikas Samiti” to Women Farmer Producer Organization (WFPO) for market linkage of their farm produce to fetch better price & profits.

Dr. Tanuja S., Scientist (FPT) highlighted about post harvest processing of fish as a livelihood option for farm women and described the example of successful market linkage of post harvest products of fish through women SHG. Mr. Manoranjan Prusty, Technical Officer discussed about Pest management of rice & improved cultivation practices of pineapple. He also demonstrated the technique regarding use of yellow sticky trap, pheromone trap to control pests in rice, vegetables and pineapple.

The programme was followed by field visit of rice, vegetables and pineapple by the programme team and farm women. The programme was thoroughly covered by the print media for wide publicity. At the end of the programme, vote of thanks was proposed.