| ICAR-CIWA celebrated its 30th Foundation Day on 17 February 2025. The Director of the Institute, Dr. Mridula Devi welcomed all the delegates and recognized the contribution of the women farmers in the field of agriculture and allied sectors and the important role of CIWA in women led empowerment. In her welcome speech, the Director highlighted the significant achievements of the Institute including technology certification and commercialization, patent, design registration, extension models, copyright, trademark, etc. She emphasized that, the Institute has designed National Information System for Women in Agriculture and an online database for showcasing gender related data at country level. ICAR-CIWA along with AICRP on WiA centres, has successfully implemented two Flagship Programs like Nutri Smart Village and Shree Anna Gram program for enriching family nutrition, livelihood security and women entrepreneurship. She also stressed that, farm women were educated about climate smart technologies through various sensitization programs under OIIPCRA and NICRA projects of the institute. She added research collaboration with International Organizations/ICAR Institutes/SAUs/NGOs/FPOs, trainings and capacity building programs, student guidance, organization of Kisan Melas, Workshops, etc. Mrs. Bijaya Barwa, Retd. Additional S.P., Govt. of Odisha was the Special Guest of the program. In her speech, she highlighted the importance of nutritious food in development of both physical and mental health of women. She also appreciated the dedicated work of ICAR-CIWA for empowering farmwomen in the field of agriculture and allied sectors. Besides, there were many other dignitaries from ICAR, NGOs and FPOs/SHGs/FIGs who attended this auspicious function. A Scientist-Farmer Interface was organized in which queries of farm women were answered by the expert team of ICAR-CIWA. Ten progressive farm women from different adopted villages were awarded for their significant contribution. About 50 farmwomen from the adopted villages of different districts of Odisha and 180 students of PM Shri Kendriya Vidyalaya, Bhubaneswar were participated in the programme. This programme was coordinated by the Dr. Lipi Das, Convener, Foundation Day. |
