President Droupadi Murmu calls for greater role of women in policy formation and decision making in agriculture sector.
President Droupadi Murmu today said that it is important to encourage leadership among women who are engaged in agriculture, especially in agri-food systems. The President made these remarks after inaugurating the Global Conference on the Role of Women in Agri Food System 2026 in New Delhi.
President Murmu said that India has chosen the strategy of women-led development. The President added that women in the agriculture sector should get a role in policy formation, decision-making, and leadership positions. The President further noted that the larger participation of women at all levels in the sector will promote gender inclusive agricultural growth.
President Murmu expressed confidence that the participants of this global conference will find pathways for driving progress and achieving new heights. The President noted that there is global consensus on giving equal importance to people, planet, prosperity, peace, and partnership. President Murmu urged all the stakeholders that the dimension of people’s gender should be given special priority in thoughts and actions. The President said that effective gender inclusion in every sphere of activity, including agriculture, will make the planet a much more sensitive and harmonious place.
Speaking on the occasion, Union Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said that women are an important part and contributor in agriculture in the country. He also informed that for the effective implementation of the strategy of ICAR, a gender platform will be launched soon. The Minister added that the platform will provide pace and direction to women-centric research work in the agricultural research network across the country.
The three-day conference is structured around a series of in-depth technical sessions. It will also host dedicated forums, including a Women Farmers’ Forum to address grassroots challenges and a Youth Forum to engage and network the next generation of agri-food leaders.
