Ministry of Agriculture &
Farmers Welfare
प्रविष्टि तिथि: 14 OCT 2026 7:41PM by PIB Delhi
The Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare (DA&FW), Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Government of India, is organising the national-level celebration of Mahila Kisan Diwas 2026 on 15 October 2026 at the Dr. B. R. Ambedkar International Centre, New Delhi. The programme aims to recognise and honour the significant contributions of women farmers to Indian agriculture and highlight their role in advancing agricultural development and building a Viksit Bharat. The day also coincides with the International Day of Rural Women, established by the United Nations General Assembly in 2007, highlighting the contribution of rural women to agricultural and rural development.
Women are an integral part of India’s agricultural system. From sowing, transplanting and harvesting to livestock management, seed conservation, natural resource management and value addition, women contribute significantly across the agricultural value chain. Their traditional knowledge, role in biodiversity conservation, entrepreneurial initiatives and adoption of sustainable agricultural practices are vital to strengthening rural livelihoods and enhancing agricultural resilience. As per the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) conducted by NSO, MoSPI, females constituted 59.8% of the total workforce engaged in agricultural activities during January–December 2025.
The year 2026 has been declared the International Year of the Woman Farmer (IYWF 2026) by the United Nations, providing an important global platform to recognise the contributions of women farmers to agrifood systems and promote their empowerment. The observance further underscores the need to enhance opportunities for women in agriculture and strengthen their access to resources, technology and institutional support.
The theme for Mahila Kisan Diwas 2026 is “Role of Women Farmers in Building Developed Agriculture and a Developed India.” The theme highlights the leadership of women in achieving the vision of Viksit Bharat through the adoption of modern agricultural technologies, crop diversification, livestock management, and conservation of natural resources and the development of agriculture-based enterprises. Women farmers are contributing to making agriculture more productive, sustainable and self-reliant.
The programme will bring together outstanding women farmers from various States and Union Territories, along with women agricultural officers, agricultural extension functionaries and officers and officials of DA&FW. It will provide a platform to recognise their achievements, facilitate the sharing of experiences and successful practices and encourage greater participation and leadership of women across the agricultural sector.
This year Mahila Kisan is also being celebrated across States/UTs, Extension Education Institutes (EEIs), SAMETIs and MANAGE. Each venue is having participation of elected representatives, officials, scientists, extension workers, and other stakeholders, alongside 50-100 women farmers. Particular emphasis has been given on securing the participation of women farmers from tribal regions.
Women agricultural officers and extension functionaries also play a crucial role in connecting agricultural research with farming communities. Through the dissemination of scientific farming practices, promotion of modern technologies, training and awareness generation about government schemes, they help farmers access knowledge and improve agricultural practices.
The celebration of Mahila Kisan Diwas 2026 reaffirms the importance of women’s empowerment in achieving agricultural progress and rural prosperity. Recognising women farmers, ensuring equal opportunities and strengthening their access to modern technology and essential resources are important steps towards building developed agriculture and a developed India.
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(रिलीज़ आईडी: 2323531) आगंतुक पटल : 37
