Patna, October 15, 2026: The ICAR Research Complex for Eastern Region (ICAR-RCER), Patna, celebrated Mahila Kisan Diwas 2026 on Thursday under the theme “My Story, My Farming: Innovation, Empowerment and Self-Reliance.” The programme, organised in the context of the International Year of the Woman Farmer 2026, highlighted the contributions of women to agriculture and promoted sustainable livelihoods, agricultural entrepreneurship, economic independence and household nutritional security.
The celebration brought together women farmers, agricultural scientists, researchers and institutional representatives to recognise the achievements of progressive women farmers and encourage the adoption of innovative, science-based agricultural practices.
Women Farmers Encouraged to Pursue Economic Independence
Smt. Stuti Gupta, Chairperson of Patna Zila Parishad, attended the programme as the Chief Guest. Addressing the gathering, she urged women farmers to recognise their strengths, abilities and potential, emphasising their equal role in nation-building and societal development.
Sharing experiences from her personal journey, she encouraged women to pursue economic independence with confidence, determination and self-belief. She also called upon successful women farmers to inspire and guide others, creating greater awareness about opportunities for empowerment and self-reliance.
Dr. Anup Das, Director of ICAR-RCER, Patna, presided over the programme. In his address, he stressed the importance of setting clear goals, maintaining determination and embracing continuous learning to achieve success.
He encouraged women farmers to enhance their technical and entrepreneurial skills through capacity-building programmes and explore agricultural entrepreneurship as a pathway to economic empowerment.
Dr. Das also highlighted the role of scientific technologies, innovative farming practices and efficient utilisation of locally available resources in improving agricultural productivity and strengthening women-led rural livelihoods.
Innovative Women Farmers from Bihar and Jharkhand Felicitated
A key highlight of the Mahila Kisan Diwas celebration was the felicitation of innovative women farmers from Bihar and Jharkhand who have achieved annual incomes ranging from ₹2 lakh to ₹4.8 lakh through agriculture and allied activities.
The recognised farmers shared their success stories, experiences and innovative farming approaches, inspiring other participants to adopt income-generating agricultural practices and pursue greater financial independence.
The institute also acknowledged the contributions of women scientists, administrative personnel and technical staff to agricultural research, innovation and institutional development.
Additionally, a woman journalist and a Ph.D. scholar were honoured for their contributions to agricultural journalism and research, respectively.
Improved Vegetable Seeds and Fruit Saplings Distributed
To promote household nutrition and encourage the establishment of nutrition gardens, ICAR-RCER distributed improved vegetable seeds and fruit saplings among participating women farmers.
Seeds of spinach, coriander, fenugreek, carrot and radish were provided to encourage the cultivation of fresh, nutritious vegetables in homestead gardens.
The initiative aimed to improve dietary diversity, strengthen household nutritional security and reduce dependence on market purchases for vegetables.
It also highlighted the important role of women farmers in connecting agricultural production with family health, balanced nutrition and sustainable food systems.
Scientists and Women Farmers Discuss Sustainable Agricultural Technologies
Heads of various divisions of ICAR-RCER shared their perspectives on strengthening women’s participation in agriculture, promoting scientific farming technologies, improving resource-use efficiency and encouraging sustainable agricultural entrepreneurship.
An interactive brainstorming session involving scientists and farmers provided an opportunity for women farmers to discuss their experiences, challenges and practical concerns.
The discussions focused on identifying suitable technological interventions, addressing farming-related constraints and exploring opportunities to enhance agricultural productivity, farm income and rural livelihoods.
The interaction also encouraged stronger collaboration between agricultural researchers and women farmers to promote the adoption of location-specific, sustainable farming solutions.
Field Visits Provide Practical Exposure to Modern Farming Practices
As part of the programme, participating women farmers visited the institute’s experimental fields, where they received practical exposure to improved agricultural technologies and sustainable farming practices.
The field demonstrations covered several important areas, including:
- Nutrition gardens and household food security
- Micro-irrigation and efficient water management
- Millet cultivation and crop diversification
- Natural farming practices
- Integrated farming systems
- Scientific livestock rearing and management
Through demonstrations and direct interactions with scientists, participants gained firsthand knowledge of resource-efficient, diversified, and sustainable agricultural practices.
These technologies and approaches have the potential to improve farm productivity, strengthen household nutrition, reduce production costs and create additional income-generating opportunities for women farmers.
Mahila Kisan Diwas Celebrated in Ranchi, Buxar and Ramgarh
Alongside the main programme in Patna, Mahila Kisan Diwas was celebrated at the institute’s research centre, FSRCHPR, Ranchi, with a focus on horticulture-based farming practices for improving household nutrition and promoting women’s economic empowerment.
The institute’s Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) at Buxar and Ramgarh also organised programmes highlighting skill development, capacity building, improved agricultural practices and opportunities to increase farm income.
Across all locations, the celebrations witnessed the participation of 392 individuals, including 284 women, reflecting the active involvement of women in agricultural development initiatives.
Empowering Women Farmers for Sustainable Rural Development
Highlighting the significance of the celebrations, Umesh Kumar Mishra, Member Secretary (Media), ICAR-RCER, Patna, said the programmes underscored the importance of empowering women farmers through scientific agricultural practices, skill development and entrepreneurship.
He noted that such initiatives could contribute to higher farm incomes, improved family nutrition, greater economic security and sustainable rural development.
The Mahila Kisan Diwas 2026 celebrations reaffirmed ICAR-RCER’s commitment to strengthening women’s participation in agriculture by promoting innovation, technical knowledge, entrepreneurship and self-reliance.
By recognising successful women farmers and facilitating knowledge-sharing between researchers and farming communities, the institute highlighted the growing importance of women-led agricultural development in Bihar, Jharkhand and the wider eastern region of India.
About the Author
