Bhubaneswar: India is set to host a global Women in Agriculture conference in March, bringing international attention to the often under-recognised role of women in farming and agri-food systems. Women constitute nearly half of India’s agricultural workforce, yet their contributions frequently remain invisible in policy, data, and decision-making.
The conference will bring together over 500 participants, including researchers, policymakers, entrepreneurs, students, and farmers, to discuss challenges faced by women in agriculture and showcase innovations led by women across the sector.
The event is being supported by leading national and international institutions, including the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), Trust for Advancement of Agricultural Sciences (TAAS), and several CGIAR centres. Organisers said the platform aims to combine global research, indigenous knowledge, and grassroots experience to shape more inclusive agricultural policies.
The programme will feature panel discussions, technical sessions, workshops, and policy dialogues, culminating in action-oriented roadmaps designed to strengthen women’s participation, leadership, and access to resources in agriculture.
Experts say the conference comes at a critical time, as climate change, food security challenges, and rural distress increasingly demand gender-responsive solutions. By amplifying women’s voices and recognising their central role in farming systems, the initiative seeks to contribute to a more equitable and sustainable future for agriculture.
-OdishaAge
