Celebration of "Mahila Kisan Divas" and "World Food Day" at ICAR-CIWA

Mahila Kisan Divas and World Food Day was celebrated at ICAR-CIWA on 16th October 2017. Honourable DDG (Education) ICAR, Dr. Narendra Singh Rathore attended the programme as Chief Guest while Dr. P. S. Pandey, ADG (EP&HS) ICAR, Smt. Sujata R. Karthikeyan, IAS, Commissioner cum Director, Odisha Watershed Development Mission and Mission Shakti, Dr. S. N. Pasupalak, VC, OUAT and Dr. D. P. Ray, Former VC, OUAT were the Guests of Honour. The farm women of Odisha heartily welcomed the guests in a traditional style followed by plantation of saplings by the delegates. In this programme, Dr. Jatinder Kishtwaria, Director of the institute warmly welcomed the guests and other dignitaries. She justified the importance of this auspicious Day, and the role of ICAR-CIWA in addressing gender issues in agriculture and women empowerment. Smt. Karthikeyan elaborated the dual role of farmwomen, existing overlooked drudgery faced by them and their significant potential in improving agricultural production. On the eve of Mahila Kisan Divas, quiz and debate competitions were organized in four villages under Mera Gaon Mera Gaurav programme and women winners were selected. The Chief Guest honoured the farmwomen with certificates and awards followed by release of publications. During his presidential address, he highlighted the significant role and contribution of women in farm & nonfarm activities and raised their issues in agriculture. About 250 progressive farm women of Odisha, Directors, Heads, Scientists of ICAR & SAU and officials from different development organisations had participated in the event. For dissemination of information on government schemes and programmes, a knowledge facilitation workshop was also organized where NABARD, Odisha Livelihood Mission, Department of Horticulture and IMAGE had participated as knowledge partners. In addition, several exhibition stalls were arranged by various agencies to display improved gender friendly farm technologies. The event was successfully organized with active involvement of all the scientists, administrative and technical staff members of ICAR-CIWA.