ICAR-CIWA celebrated its 28th Foundation Day on 17th February, 2023. The Padma Shri Dr. Sabarmatee, Sambhav, Nayagarh, Odisha graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. Dr. Bimlesh Mann, ADG (EP & HS), ICAR, New Delhi and Dr. Minati Behera, Chairperson, Odisha State Commission for Women were the Guest of Honour. Besides, there were many other dignitaries from ICAR, SAUs, NGOs, FPOs and SHGs who attended this auspicious function. The Director of the Institute, Dr. Mridula Devi welcomed all the delegates and highlighted the significant achievements of the Institute and the important role of CIWA in women led empowerment. In her welcome speech, she recognized the contribution of the women farmer in the field of agriculture and allied sector. The Padma Shri Dr. Sabarmatee, Sambhav, Nayagarh delivered the Foundation Day Lecture and applauded the contribution of the farming community in plant biodiversity conservation and sustainable ecosystem management. She also stressed upon organic farming, seed conservation and seed exchange among local communities. Dr. Minati Behera, Chairperson, State Commission for Women, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, aware the farm women about National Policy for Women and emphasized that active participation of women in different arena of society like economic, political, science, technology, art and culture will uplift the society to a higher level. Dr. Bimlesh Mann, ADG (EP & HS), ICAR appreciated ICAR-CIWA as a unique and premier institute for empowering farmwomen in the field agriculture. On this occasion, two publications comprises various research achievements of the Institute were released. A Scientist-Farmer Interface was organized in which queries of farm women were answered by the expert team of CIWA. Eighteen progressive farm women from nine different adopted villages were awarded for their significant contribution. About 200 farmwomen from the adopted villages of different districts of Odisha and 120 B. Sc. (Agriculture) students of Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu including staff of ICAR-CIWA were participated in the programme. Dr. Sabita Mishra, Coordinator and Dr. Tania Seth, Co-Coordinator of the Foundation Day along with Dr. Arpita Mohapatra successfully coordinated the whole event.