Patna: The ICAR Research Complex for Eastern Region (ICAR-RCER), Patna, celebrated Mahila Kisan Diwas on Thursday, under the theme “My Story, My Farming: Innovation, Empowerment and Self-Reliance”, recognising the contributions of women farmers and promoting sustainable livelihoods, agricultural entrepreneurship and household nutrition.
The programme was organised to commemorate the International Year of the Woman Farmer and highlighted the role of scientific farming, skill development and economic independence in strengthening women-led agriculture.
Stuti Gupta, chairperson of Patna Zila Parishad, attended as the chief guest and urged women farmers to recognise their capabilities and contributions to nation-building and social development. Sharing experiences from her own life, she encouraged women to pursue economic independence with confidence and determination and inspire others to work towards self-reliance.
Women farmers felicitated for achievements
Dr Anup Das, director of ICAR-RCER, Patna, presided over the programme and stressed the importance of clear goals, determination and continuous learning in achieving success.
He encouraged women farmers to improve their skills through capacity-building initiatives and explore agricultural entrepreneurship. He also highlighted the potential of scientific technologies, innovative farming practices and efficient use of local resources to improve productivity and strengthen women-led livelihoods.
Innovative women farmers from Bihar and Jharkhand earning annual incomes ranging from Rs 2 lakh to Rs 4.8 lakh were felicitated for their contributions to agriculture and allied activities. They also shared their experiences and success stories to encourage others to adopt innovative and income-generating farming practices.
Women scientists, administrative personnel and technical staff were also recognised for their contributions to agricultural research and institutional development. A woman journalist and a PhD scholar were honoured for their work in agricultural journalism and research, respectively.
Seeds and saplings distributed to promote nutrition
A key feature of the programme was the distribution of improved vegetable seeds and fruit saplings to women farmers to encourage household cultivation and improve nutritional security.
Seeds of spinach, coriander, fenugreek, carrot and radish were distributed to promote the cultivation of fresh vegetables around homes. The initiative aimed to improve dietary diversity, reduce dependence on market purchases and strengthen household nutrition.
Heads of the institute’s divisions also shared their views on women’s participation in agriculture, the adoption of scientific technologies, efficient resource use, sustainable farming practices and agricultural entrepreneurship.
An interactive session brought scientists and women farmers together to discuss their experiences, challenges and practical concerns. The discussions focused on identifying suitable technological interventions to improve farm productivity and livelihoods.
Farmers visit experimental fields
Participants visited the institute’s experimental fields to learn about improved agricultural technologies and farming practices. Demonstrations covered nutrition gardens, micro-irrigation, millet cultivation, natural farming, integrated farming systems and scientific livestock rearing.
The visits provided practical exposure to resource-efficient and diversified farming approaches that could help improve agricultural productivity, household nutrition and income generation.
Programmes held across four locations
Mahila Kisan Diwas was also celebrated at the institute’s research centre, FSRCHPR, Ranchi, with a focus on horticulture-based farming, household nutrition and women’s economic empowerment.
The institute’s Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) at Buxar and Ramgarh also organised programmes highlighting skill development and capacity-building to increase farm incomes and strengthen rural livelihoods.
Across the four locations, the programmes drew 392 participants, including 284 women.
Umesh Kumar Mishra, member secretary for media at ICAR-RCER, Patna, said the celebrations highlighted the importance of empowering women farmers through scientific farming practices, skill development and agricultural entrepreneurship to improve farm incomes, family nutrition and economic security while promoting sustainable rural development.
