ICAR-CIWA celebrated Women in Agriculture Day

ICAR-CIWA, Bhubaneswar celebrated ‘Women in Agriculture Day’ on 4 December 2025 at Radho village under Bhandaripokhari block of Bhadrak District, Odisha. The day was embarked by various activities with farm women, aimed at recognizing the efforts of women farmers in the agricultural sector highlighting their essential roles in food security, sustainable farming practices, and rural development. With agriculture being the primary livelihood for most families in the area, the programme served as a reminder of the challenges women face in the field and their resilience in overcoming them. In this programme it was also discussed about the need for advanced technology, women-friendly tools which impact their day-to-day livelihoods by increasing the production and productivity.
A sensitization programme on various women-centric schemes of NABARD was discussed Mr Rajib Kumar, Lead District Manager and Mr Deepak Kumar Sahoo, District Development Manager, NABARD, Bhadrak. The programme was attended by Shri Ranjan Kumar Parida, Sarpanch; Panchayat Representative, Personnel from NGO, FPO, SHGs and other line departments and more than 200 women farmers. The programme was organized in coordination with Kalathakura Farmer Producer Company Ltd. with the leadership of Mrs. Mamata Samal, which is active in the region and has many Self-Help Groups under its wings thus creating opportunities for women to improve socially, technologically and economically through various agricultural activities. The vegetable seed kits were provided to women farmers by ICAR-CIWA to promote nutri-farming for better livelihood and family nutrition. Few progressive women farmers shared their issues and experiences in the field of agriculture and allied sectors. A field visit was also organized to showcase the high‑value vegetable crops being cultivated by the women farmers.
The celebration reinforced the message that empowering women farmers with knowledge, technology and financial access not only uplifts individual households but also strengthens the agricultural fabric of the entire region. ICAR‑CIWA remains committed to continuing such initiatives that celebrate and advance the role of women in agriculture. Dr. Lipi Das and Mr. B.C. Behera of ICAR-CIWA successfully coordinated the programme.