New Delhi, September 30, 2026: Thousands of women farmers and farmer activists from across India gathered at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium in New Delhi on Wednesday for the All India Women Farmers Activists Conference, organized by the Bharatiya Kisan Sangh.
The conference focused on women’s role in agriculture, the need to modernize public perceptions of women farmers, organic and cow-based farming practices, and the challenges women face in agriculture and allied activities.
The event began with Gau Pujan, Lord Balaram Pujan and flag hoisting, followed by the slogan, “We, the women of India, shall bring glory.” Participants from different states attended the conference in traditional regional attire and presented folk songs and cultural performances.
Calls to recognize changing role of women farmers
Prof. Vimla Dunkwal, Vice-Chancellor of Kota Agriculture University and chief guest at the inaugural session, said women have a significant role in both agricultural production and family welfare. She described women as capable of contributing to both creation and nurturing.
Manju Dixit, the organization’s All India Women Convener, called for a change in the traditional perception of women farmers. She said women engaged in farming are increasingly using modern technology and contributing to household incomes as well as the wider economy.
The inaugural session was also addressed by Bharatiya Kisan Sangh president K. Sai Reddy, vice-president Sushila Bishnoi and minister Veena Satish, according to the organizers.
Focus on organic farming and Gau-Krishi-Vanijyam
During the valedictory session, Bharatiya Kisan Sangh General Secretary Mohini Mohan Mishra said the goal of achieving a developed and healthy India by 2047 would require greater emphasis on Gau-Krishi-Vanijyam and organic farming.
Mishra called for government policies aimed at promoting what the organization described as “poison-free farming,” improving public health and ensuring access to nutritious food.
Organizing Secretary Dinesh Kulkarni said greater recognition of self-reliant and independent women farmers would strengthen families, villages and rural society.
Senior office-bearers of the Bharatiya Kisan Sangh, along with Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh All India Sampark Pramukh Ram Lal and Rashtra Sevika Samiti All India Sah-Sampark Pramukh Ritu Sharma, were among those present, according to the organizers.
Women farmers felicitated
The conference also recognized women farmers for work in agriculture and allied activities. Awards and felicitations were presented in several categories.
Among those recognized were Sunanda Saysing of Maharashtra for Gau-Krishi-Vanijyam, Dipali Oraon of West Bengal for organic farming and Kamala Ben of Gujarat for seed conservation.
Amba Kalindi and Pampa Garai of West Bengal were recognized for animal husbandry, while Pushpa Singh of Bihar was felicitated for employment generation. Maya Sinha Mahapatra of Odisha, along with Sulata Chatterjee and Shukla Bairagi of West Bengal, were recognized for food processing.
Participants raise agricultural concerns
According to the organizers, women farmers attending the conference travelled to Delhi at their own expense and purchased their own tickets.
During the conference sessions, participants discussed issues affecting agriculture and women working in the sector and called for government attention to their concerns.
The gathering brought together participants from different regions and agricultural backgrounds, with organizers presenting it as an effort to highlight the growing role of women in Indian agriculture.